Cy an hyt ric acid (HCN) lần đầu tiên được cô lập bởi các nhà hóa học Thụy Điển Karl Scheele năm cũng đã trở thành nạn nhân đầu tiên của khí cyanide khi ông vô tình đã phá vỡ một lọ trong phòng thí nghiệm và qua đời từ hít phải hơi [1]. Nhiều trường hợp giết người, tự tử, và tai nạn liên quan đến cyanide có xảy ra trong những năm qua [2]. Cyanide là coi là một vũ khí tiềm năng hủy diệt hàng loạt tại Hoa Kỳ sử dụng trong các cuộc tấn công khủng bố [3,4]. Chương này. | 13 Human Toxicology of Cyanide Joseph L. Borowitz Gary E. Isom and David V. Nakles CONTENTS Exposure. 238 Sites of Action. 238 Brain. 238 Heart. 239 Liver and Kidney. 241 Symptoms and Signs Caused by Cyanide. 241 Acute. 241 Aftereffects of Acute Exposure. 241 Chronic Toxicity . 241 Generation and Metabolism of Cyanide in Body Tissues . 242 Mechanisms of Cyanide Toxicity . 243 Acidosis. 243 Neurotransmitter Release . 243 Alteration of Calcium Balance . 243 Oxidative Stress . 243 Cyanide and Mitochondria. 244 Nerve Cell Death Pathways and Cyanide. 244 Neuronal Proteins that Influence the Toxic Effects of Cyanide. 245 Cyanide Antidotes. 245 Summary and Conclusions . 246 Acknowledgement. 246 References . 247 Hydrocyanic acid HCN was first isolated by the Swedish chemist Karl Scheele in 1782. He also became the first victim of cyanide gas when he accidentally broke a vial in the laboratory and died from vapor inhalation 1 . Many instances of murder suicide and accident involving cyanide have occurred through the years 2 . Cyanide is now considered a potential weapon for mass destruction in the United States for use in terrorist attacks 3 4 . This chapter describes how people can be exposed to free cyanide HCNg HCNaq CN-q symptoms they might experience due to actions on the brain and heart which are the main targets for cyanide and biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of cyanide in the human body. The chapter also reviews how small amounts of cyanide can be generated in the body. In addition antidotal treatments for people exposed to cyanide are covered. It is important to note that this chapter focuses on actions of free cyanide and all discussion of cyanide herein refers to cyanide in the forms listed above or the cyanide ion CN- in salts that dissociates readily in aqueous solution. Metal cyanide salts and dissolved species generally
