McFadden D P, Carlson G P, Maickel R P
Fundam Appl Toxicol. 1981 Nov-Dec;1(6):448-51. doi: 10.1016/s0272-0590(81)80026-7.
When mice were exposed to butyl nitrites in an inhalation chamber, a significant level of methemoglobinemia is produced. The potency order for methemoglobin production of the four butyl nitrites (n-, iso-, sec-, tert-) is the same as that of their lethal concentrations (LC50 values) and parallels the ability of the agents to cause methemoglobin formation in mouse erythrocytes in vitro. Pretreatment with a single dose of methylene blue prevents the methemoglobin formation and protects against the lethality of the butyl nitrites.
