Which Toxins are Commonly Associated with Hypoxia?
Several toxins are known to induce hypoxia. These include:
- Carbon monoxide (CO): Displaces oxygen from hemoglobin. - Cyanide: Inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain. - Hydrogen sulfide: Similar to cyanide, it inhibits cellular respiration. - Methanol: Metabolizes to formic acid, which can inhibit mitochondrial function. - Nitrates: Can convert hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen.
