![]() ![]() Thom says that overall this work suggests that the 50 percent or more of patients who develop brain damage following severe CO poisoning may do so, in large part, due to an autoimmune reaction. "But if you render their immune systems tolerant to altered MBP, by feeding them normal MBP before CO poisoning and thereby short-circuiting the lymphocyte response, the rats learn normally." "CO poisoned rats don't learn," said Thom. ![]() To link acute CO poisoning to long-term brain injury, the team conducted tests on normal versus CO-poisoned rats, comparing their abilities to navigate and memorize a maze. "These changes in MBP have also been demonstrated in multiple sclerosis, which is why we paralleled the study along those lines," says Thom. Specifically, the researchers found that by-products of CO metabolism in the brain alter the charge and structure of MBP. Using an animal model, they showed that the CO-induced changes in MBP set into motion an autoimmune response in which lymphocytes, triggered to eliminate altered MBP, continue to attack normal MBP. Thom, MD, PhD, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Chief of Hyperbaric Medicine, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, report this week online in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, that CO causes profound changes in myelin basic protein (MBP) – a major protein constituent of myelin, the protective sheath surrounding neurons. The physiological causes of this delayed decline were not well understood until now. Brain damage occurs – days to weeks later – in half of the patients with a serious case of CO poisoning. CO poisoning is the leading cause of injury and death by poisoning worldwide, with about 40,000 people treated in the U.S. React quickly to fires in the home by having at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher on site.Īll flammable materials and household chemicals, such as cleaning supplies and paints, should be stored far away from gas appliances and gas lines.(Philadelphia, PA) – Later this fall, emergency-medicine physicians enter into what they call the "CO season" – a time when faulty furnaces and other mechanical mishaps lead to a spike in cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Gas leaks are highly flammable, and natural gas can be ignited by a spark or even by making phone calls. There should be a detector on every floor of the house and in all bedrooms. These devices look like smoke alarms and emit a loud sound if carbon monoxide is detected. It is also helpful and healthy to regularly air out of the house. This is to prevent natural gas from building up in these areas. The areas around gas-burning appliances and gas equipment should be kept unobstructed. This service is usually free of charge.Ī certified professional should also inspect furnaces, chimneys, flues, and vents. People should learn about gas leak symptoms and signs and remember to teach family members and children about natural gas safety.Įveryone in the home should know what to do if a gas leak is suspected or confirmed.Įnsure that all gas-burning appliances and gas pipelines are inspected every year by a certified inspector. Most gas leaks are preventable by taking the following steps: Share on Pinterest Arrange for gas-burning appliances and pipelines to be inspected regularly by a professional. use lighters, candles, matches, or other sources of ignition.switch lights or household appliances on or off.In the event of a gas leak or suspected gas leak, NEVER: They will likely have a certified inspector assess the situation. Open all the windows and call the utility company from outside the house. ![]()
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