15N-labeled sodium nitrite

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound used medically as an antidote for cyanide poisoning by inducing methemoglobinemia, which binds cyanide and prevents mitochondrial toxicity. The 15N-labeled form is a stable isotope-labeled variant used primarily for research or tracing purposes rather than direct therapeutic use. Sodium nitrite acts by oxidizing hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which has a higher affinity for cyanide than cytochrome c oxidase, thus freeing the enzyme to restore cellular respiration. It also causes vasodilation contributing to its therapeutic effects. The labeled version contains the nitrogen-15 isotope in place of the common nitrogen-14 in the nitrite ion. This isotopic labeling does not change its chemical mechanism but allows tracking or study in biochemical and pharmacokinetic contexts.[1][3][6][9]

Other names

NON-RADIOACTIVE HEAVY 15N-LABELED SODIUM NITRITESodium 15N nitriteSodium15N nitriteSodium-15N nitrite