Differentiation of electrophoretically similar hemoglobins: such as S, D, G, and P; or A2, C, E, and O: by electrophoresis of the globin chains

Abstract

Electrophoresis of the globin chains of hemoglobin on cellulose acetate in both acidic and alkaline buffers (pH about 6 and 9) containing urea and 2 mercaptoethanol is a simple, rapid means of characterizing hemoglobins. Erythrocyte hemolysate is electrophoresed in the presence of a large amount of mercaptoethanol, which liberates heme from globin, and keeps it in solution during its rapid electrophoretic removal. Each globin chain migrates at a characteristic rate, which varies with the pH and composition of the buffer. The combined data permit differentiation, with a high degree of specificity, of some similarly charged hemoglobins. They may also be useful in assessing the effect of secondary and tertiary structure on molecular charge.