The formation of complexes between haemoglobins and plasma proteins in a variety of animals

Abstract

The formation of complexes between partially denatured ferrous and ferric hemoglobins and plasma proteins of a variety of vertebrate animals was studied by immersed-paper electrophoresis and visible and UV spectrophotometry. Hemoglobin, irrespective of its origin, forms complexes with alpha2-globulin of horse, dog, pig and duck plasma; with fibrinogen of ox plasma; with albumin of turtle plasma; and with alpha2-globulin and albumin of human and frog plasma. No such complexes are formed with the plasma proteins of goat, rabbit or guinea pig. These complexes are not hemo-chromogens but may be partially denatured hemoglobins bound by the prosthetic group to specific plasma proteins which act as vehicles.