Time-dependent comparative evaluation of some important biomarkers of acute cyanide poisoning in rats: an aid in diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: The study focuses on time-dependent comparative evaluation of various biomarkers of acute cyanide poisoning in rats.

Methods: Blood gas (analyzer), lactate, pyruvate, cyanide, thiocyanate (spectrophotometer) and 2-amino-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA; gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) in plasma or urine, and various physiological parameters (polygraph) were measured.

Results: Cyanide poisoning was characterized by elevated lactate, cyanide, thiocyanate and ATCA concentrations in plasma up to 15 min, 4, 16 and 24 h, respectively, while high urinary thiocyanate and ATCA levels were measured between 4 and 24 h.

Conclusion: ATCA concentration in plasma and urine was found to be more reliable indicator of cyanide poisoning.

• Acute poisoning
• biomarkers
• cyanide
• diagnosis

Acknowledgements

Authors thank Prof. (Dr.) M.P. Kaushik, Director, DRDE, Gwalior, for providing necessary facilities. Authors also acknowledge Dr. B.K. Bhattacharya, Head, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Division, and Dr. Pravin Kumar, Head, Pharmacology and Toxicology Division of DRDE, Gwalior for their valuable suggestions.