Erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase in subjects on periodic hemodialysis
Squarzoni, G.; Bariani, L.; Ughi, M.; Squerzanti, R.; Bariani, M.C.; Fersini, C.; Castaldi, G.
Rivista Europea Per le Scienze Mediche e Farmacologiche 12(4-5): 253-258
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-291X PMID: 2129485 Document Number: 349873
Red cell carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II have been measured by means of cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis in patients with chronic renal failure and dependent on periodic hemodialysis; these patients showed a chronic anemia due to many factors. Carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes were higher in uremic and anemic patients than in the controls. Since hemoglobin can act as a protons acceptor from the active site of carbonic anhydrase during the hydratation of CO2 (and vice-versa), the increase of carbonic anhydrase can facilitate, via the Bohr effect, the transfer of the oxygen to the peripheral tissues. Therefore an increase of red cell carbonic anhydrase can constitute a compensating mechanism of anemic hypoxia in uremic patients.