Re: Off to Heaven

From Dr. Sonya

21 Oct 1995

Jeff Smith writes: "They use a solution of potassium chloride, which screws up (that's a medical term) your cellular metabolism. Like the electric chair, this chemical us used for historical reasons, rather than because it's the best method. Kevorkian used KCl on his vic^H^H^Hpatients, too, until he lost his medical license and his access to the stuff. Then he switched to carbon-monoxide inhalation; a much nastier way to go.

I've noticed that so-called "Low Sodium Salt" is usually 40% KCl; would it be possible to kill someone using a solution of this?"


Au contraire, my friend - KCl given IV is an excellent way to kill someone very quickly. Its mechanism of action is very simple, as those physiologists out there can attest.

QUICK N' DIRTY PHYSIOLOGY LESSON ON HOW KCL KILLS

Our cells are basically semi-permeable membranes that rely on a potential difference (voltage) between the intracellular vs. extracellular solutions in order for any cellular metabolism to take place. The intracellular + charges must equal the extracellular + charges, as must the - charges match up.

The intracellular cation (+ charged ion) of choice is potassium (K+); in the extracellular fluid it is sodium (Na+). There are small enzymatic pumps in the cell plasma membrane called Na+K+ ATPase that carry K+ into the cell and Na+ out of the cell. This difference is what also allows things like muscle to contract. No potential difference = no muscle contraction.

Scenario: Mr. A gets an IV solution of 0.9% NaCl. What happens? Nothing - this is a physiological saline solution that is the same osmolarity and content of his extracellular fluid. He'll just wiz away the excess.

Mr. B., however, is less fortunate, and has Dr. Jack administering his IVF of 0.9% KCl. What happens? As the solution circulates through his system and comes in contact with his cells, the potential difference between the extracellular and intracellular cations is eliminated, and the battery has lost its charge, so to speak. Muscle contraction is adversely affected, and of course, this includes cardiac muscle.