2
$\begingroup$

I've always wanted to do comparative eco-physiology studies looking at Hemoglobin-Oxygen affinity of populations in different environments, but I can't find a protocol to experimentally measure the relationship. Does anyone know where I can find a protocol, or know a protocol themselves?

I'm assuming an answer would include what the necessary instrumentation would be, what condition the blood needs to be in (fresh?), if the heme is isolated (and if so, how), and what an appropriate sampling scheme would look like.

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

4
$\begingroup$

There are existing instruments commercially available to measure hemoglobin-oxygen saturation curves. Whole blood or lysed blood can be used; I would expect the instrumentation to come with specific directions for sample preparation because it may depend on the exact equipment.

These devices use a spectrophotometer to measure saturation, taking advantage of the same color difference between arterial and venous blood that is visible to the human eye.

To collect a curve, you start with the sample saturated in room air or oxygen, and the instrument gradually introduces nitrogen to replace the oxygen, while also monitoring oxygen concentrations using a Clarke electrode.

Here is an example paper that uses one of these devices. Their precise methods may or may not be appropriate to your research approach.

References


Head, C. A., Brugnara, C., Martinez-Ruiz, R., Kacmarek, R. M., Bridges, K. R., Kuter, D., ... & Zapol, W. M. (1997). Low concentrations of nitric oxide increase oxygen affinity of sickle erythrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 100(5), 1193.

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks! This sounds not terribly difficult, given the right equipment. Something for me to think about if I ever have my own lab/startup funds. $\endgroup$
    – Kara
    Commented Apr 14, 2017 at 9:32

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .