Chloralose (also known as alpha-chloralose) is an avicide and a rodenticide used to kill mice at temperatures below 15 °C.It is also widely used in neuroscience and veterinary medicine as an anesthetic and sedative.It is used for long-lasting but mild anesthesia, either alone or in combination, such as with polyurethane.Chemically, it is a chlorinated acetal derivative of glucose.
It is listed in Annex I of Directive 67/548/EEC,classified as hazardous (Xn).Chloralose has barbiturate-like effects on synaptic transmission in the brain, including potent effects on inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR).The structural isomer of chloralose, β-chloralose (also known as p-chloralose in earlier literature), is inactive as a GABAAR modulator and general anesthetic.Chlorose is often abused for its bird-killing properties.In the UK, protected birds of prey have been killed by the chemical.Legal use for bird control also frequently results in raptor deaths from secondary poisoning, and primary poisoning from consumption of baits by non-target species, such as kererū pigeons in New Zealand.
Creatine
Creatine is an organic compound with the chemical formula (H2N)(HN)CN(CH3)CH2CO2H.In solution, it exists in various tautomeric forms (including neutral forms and various zwitterionic forms).Creatine is found in vertebrates where it promotes the recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP),mainly in muscle and brain tissue.Recycling is achieved by converting adenosine diphosphate (ADP) back to ATP by donating a phosphate group. Creatine also acts as a buffer.
Exercise and sports
Creatine supplements are sold as ethyl ester, gluconate, monohydrate, and nitrate.Creatine supplements used to enhance athletic performance are considered safe for short-term use, but safety data are lacking for long-term use or use in children and adolescents.
A 2018 review article in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition stated that creatine monohydrate may help improve energy availability during high-intensity exercise.Creatine use can increase maximum power and performance by 5% to 15% during high-intensity anaerobic repetitions (during work and rest).Creatine has no significant effect on aerobic endurance, although it increases strength during short bouts of high-intensity aerobic exercise.In a survey of 21,000 college athletes,14 percent took creatine supplements in an attempt to improve performance.Non-athletes report taking creatine supplements to improve appearance.