Exposed sulphydryl groups of types of haemoglobin during human ontogenesis
Angelova-Gateva, P.
Agressologie 19(5): 331-334
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-1148 PMID: 94245 Document Number: 132097
Sulfhydryl groups [SH] in Hb F (fetal), A1, A2 and A3 (adult) exposed to DTNB (5,5'-dithio bis-nitrobenzoic acid) were studied during ontogenesis. Low values of SH were observed for Hb F and maximally high ones for Hb A1 in umbilical cord blood. Apparently Hb F becomes less functional, deoxygenates as early as at birth, and the entire function of gas (O2) transport in the blood is taken over by Hb A1, which accounts for 24% of the total Hb during this period, while Hb F is 74%. In the 1st mo. of life the SH/Hb F percent ratio increases. This phenomenon is probably due to dissociation modifications of Hb F subunits associated with the commencement of its breakdown. Toward the end of the 1st yr of life, at age 1-3 yr, and in adults, the amount of Hb A1 is a high 94%. Judging by SH/Hb A1 percent ratio, only 1/4 of Hb or 1 heme of each Hb A1 molecule is oxidized. The remaining 3/4 of Hb or 3/4 of heme of each Hb molecule is a functional molecular reserve of the organism.