Gene expression in rat striatum following carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes brain damage, which is attenuated by treatment with hydrogen [1], [2], a scavenger selective to hydroxyl radical (•OH) [3]. This suggests a role of •OH in brain damage due to CO poisoning. Studies have shown strong enhancement of •OH production in rat striatum by severe CO poisoning with a blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level > 70% due to 3000 ppm CO, but not less severe CO poisoning with a blood COHb level at approximately 50% due to 1000 ppm CO [4].