Unstable Hemoglobins in Japan

Abstract

Ten unstable hemoglobins have been identified in 14 Japanese families (Table I). Five of them which have never been found in other countries are Hb Hirosaki, Hb Iwata, Hb Tochigi, Hb Mizuho, and Hb Toyoake. Hb Köln has been found in four independent families. Eight cases (57% of the total number of families) appear to have occurred by de novo mutation. We will briefly describe two new unstable hemoglobins, Hb Toyoake and Hb Iwata.