Relative affinity of hemoglobin S and hemoglobin A for carbon monoxide and oxygen

Abstract

The relative affinity constants of hemolysates from individuals with hemoglobins A, S, or AS were measured at 37 and 26°C. Observed values of all hemoglobin types were the same at both temperatures, K37 = 230, K26 = 296. Control measurements on whole blood containing Hb A gave values of K37 = 222. The small but significant difference between K37 values measured in whole blood and in hemolysates may be a result of the greater increase of methemoglobin in the hemolysates during the in vitro equilibration.