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Published on: January 29, 2011
Carbon monoxide and its role in human physiology: A brief historical perspective
Khosrow Kashfi1, Kush K Patel2
1Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Carbon monoxide is a molecule with notoriety in modern culture and extensive documentation regarding its toxic physiological effects, long predating its formal discovery in the 18th century. Upon its discovery as a molecule in 1772, subsequent investigations into its properties have provided mechanisms describing its toxicity and insights into its function as an endogenously produced molecule and as a therapeutic agent. This brief review aims to provide a historical perspective on this molecule and recognize research regarding its physiological functions and therapeutic applications, often overshadowed by its reputation as a lethal substance. Historicizing science is an acknowledgment of the pioneers and helps us better conceptualize the issues.
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