Cyanide poisoning

Cyanide poisoning is a potentially fatal condition in which cyanide disrupts cells’ ability to use oxygen, causing rapid injury to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Cytochrome c oxidase: The terminal enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which transfers electrons to oxygen. Cyanide binds this enzyme and prevents cells from using oxygen to make energy.
Hydrogen cyanide: A volatile, highly toxic chemical compound with the formula HCN. Its inhalation can cause rapid cyanide poisoning, especially in enclosed-space fires.
Cyanide: A chemical species containing a carbon–nitrogen group that can inhibit cellular enzymes. Cyanide poisoning results when a toxic amount of this chemical reaches the body.
Cyanogenic glycoside: A plant compound that can release hydrogen cyanide when broken down. Some foods contain these compounds, which can cause poisoning when improperly processed or consumed in excess.
Oxidative phosphorylation: The process by which mitochondria use an electron transport chain and a proton gradient to produce ATP. Cyanide poisoning interrupts this energy-producing process at its final oxygen-dependent step.
Smoke inhalation: Injury caused by breathing smoke, gases, or particles produced by combustion. Smoke from certain fires can contain cyanide alongside carbon monoxide.
Mitochondrion: A cell structure that produces much of the cell’s ATP through oxidative metabolism. Cyanide chiefly disrupts energy production within this organelle.
Cassava: A starchy tropical root crop that can contain cyanogenic compounds. Inadequate processing can leave enough cyanide precursors to cause illness.
Histotoxic hypoxia: A form of oxygen deprivation in which tissues cannot use oxygen delivered by the blood. It describes the characteristic mismatch between oxygen delivery and cellular use in cyanide poisoning.
Cyanide antidote: A medication or combination of medications used to counter cyanide toxicity. Antidotes can bind cyanide or restore cellular oxygen use during emergency care.

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