Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on cyanide intoxication: in situ changes in intracellular oxidation reduction.

To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen on cyanide intoxication, changes in the intracellular oxidation-reduction state of the renal cortex were observed in situ in 16 New Zealand white rabbits by detecting the reduced pyridine nucleotide fluorescence that represents the degree of cyanide blockade of the respiratory chain. The data indicated that 100% oxygen at 2 ATA exerted both prophylactic and therapeutic antagonistic effects on the cyanide poisoning. Administration of hyperbaric oxygen could constitute a significant treatment if proper chemical treatment is carried out concomitantly.