Altered Haem—Haem Interaction and Tissue‐Oxygen Supply: A Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

On the basis of its assumed invariance, the haem--haem interaction or shape of the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve is frequently ignored when considering the potential effect of haemoglobin-oxygen affinity (as characterized by the P50) on oxygen transport. This report reviews some experimental evidence with respect to this assumption and demonstrates the potential effect of altered haem--haem interaction on tissue-oxygen supply as distinguished from the effect of P50 or position change. Theoretically, haem--haem interaction values in the range that has been reported for apparently healthy human subjects can substantially modify oxygen transport to tissues, in some cases equalling or exceeding the effect from a similar range of P50 values. It is not presently clear to what extent this range may represent true variation as opposed to random technical error, but the possible implications for oxygen transport indicate that a more systematic evaluation of the problem is desirable.