Japanese scientists have discovered a compound that can save the lives of patients suffering from gas poisoning from fires. The effectiveness and safety of this compound have been confirmed through tests on rats.
The effectiveness and safety of this compound have been confirmed through tests on rats. (Source: eurekalert).
During the study of artificial hemoglobin, Hiroaki Kitagishi, Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Department of Science and Engineering of Doshisha University, discovered that a small amount of CO was excreted through urine when he injected this artificial hemoglobin into animals.
Based on that finding, Professor Kitagishi and colleagues developed a chemical to remove CO and HCN – the main factors causing gas poisoning in fires.
The antitoxic effects of the anti-CO and HCN compounds were confirmed by either inhaling CO or being given a substance to induce HCN in the body.
To recreate the conditions of a real fire, the scientists burned acrylic fabric to produce smoke containing the gases CO and HCN. They then injected the compound into mice that had inhaled the toxic gas and couldn’t move.
As a result, up to 11 out of 13 mice treated with the compound survived, while all 18 mice not treated with the compound died.
The blood pressure of the surviving rats returned to normal just a few minutes after taking the drug and after that, they had no problems with consciousness and behavior. The compound that the scientists injected into the mice’s bodies was excreted in the urine within two hours.
According to Japanese scientists, the new compound can be stored in the form of a powder or solution for a long time, making it possible for doctors or rescue workers to use it at the scene of a fire or in an emergency room. ambulance.
Professor Kitagishi stressed the compound was a safe solution, with no side effects. This will be a promising solution because every year there are many deaths from gas poisoning caused by fires around the world.