In methyl alcohol poisoning there is CNS depression, cardiac depression and optic nerve atrophy. These effects are produced due to -: (A) Formaldehyde and formic acid, (B) Acetaldehyde, (C) Pyridine, (D) Acetic acid
Answer is A. Methanol itself is not toxic but two metabolites formed -- formaldehyde and formic acid are highly toxic. These compounds are responsible for causing profound metabolic acidosis and visual defect and blindness REF;THE SYNOPSIS OF FORENSIC MEDICINE:KS NARAYANA REDDY;28th EDITION;PAGE NO 332