Absorbed from the intestines into the blood, nitrites (NO2-) interact with the hemoglobin of the blood and block its respiratory function, turning part of the hemoglobin (HbFe2+) into methemoglobin (HbFe3+), unable to transfer oxygen from the lungs to tissues. With the formation of a large amount of methemoglobin, oxygen starvation of tissues occurs, which can cause damage to the central nervous system. 10 to 20 % - of methemoglobin (HbFe3+) - asymptomatic cyanosis, 20 to 50% of methemoglobin (HbFe3+) - hypoxia develop, > 50% of methemoglobin (HbFe3+) - the person will die. The body weight of the average person is 60 kg. Blood mass averages 8% of a person’s body weight; blood density ρ = 1,050 g/cm3 , the hemoglobin (Hb) content in it is 14 g per 100 ml. molecular weight of hemoglobin 65-68 kg/mol (use 68 kg/mol for calculation). Assume that 1 mole of hemoglobin reacts with one mole of nitrite ion to form 1 NO molecule: HbFe2+ + NO2 - → HbFe3+ + NO will a 290 mg dose of sodium nitrite be fatal to the patient?
Absorbed from the intestines into the blood, nitrites (NO2-) interact with the hemoglobin
of the blood and block its respiratory function, turning part of the hemoglobin (HbFe2+) into
methemoglobin (HbFe3+), unable to transfer oxygen from the lungs to tissues. With the
formation of a large amount of methemoglobin, oxygen starvation of tissues occurs, which can
cause damage to the central nervous system.
10 to 20 % - of methemoglobin (HbFe3+) - asymptomatic cyanosis,
20 to 50% of methemoglobin (HbFe3+) - hypoxia develop,
> 50% of methemoglobin (HbFe3+) - the person will die.
The body weight of the average person is 60 kg. Blood mass averages 8% of a person’s body
weight; blood density ρ = 1,050 g/cm3
, the hemoglobin (Hb) content in it is 14 g per 100 ml.
molecular weight of hemoglobin 65-68 kg/mol (use 68 kg/mol for calculation). Assume that 1
mole of hemoglobin reacts with one mole of nitrite ion to form 1 NO molecule:
HbFe2+ + NO2
- → HbFe3+ + NO
will a 290 mg dose of sodium nitrite be fatal to the patient?
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