Cyanide intoxication in the rat. Physiological and neuropathological aspects

Abstract

Sodium cyanide was given to rats by i.v. infusion at a rate that would avert apnoea (the first sign of overdosage) in the majority. There was full physiologic monitoring in a group under anesthesia and more limited monitoring in an unanesthetized group. The white matter was damaged in 6 animals and the grey matter additionally in only 1. It is concluded that cyanide can damage neurones only through the medium of secondary effects on circulation and respiration.