Carboxyhemoglobin Levels in an Unstable Hemoglobin Disorder (Hb Zürich): Effect on Phenotypic Expression

Abstract

The affinity of Hb Zurich for carbon monoxide is approximately 65 times that of normal hemoglobin. The carboxyhemoglobin content in serum from individuals with Hb Zurich ranged from 3.9 to 6.7 percent in nine nonsmokers and from 9.8 to 19.7 percent in six smokers. Rates of hemolysis and hemoglobin denaturation were less in smokers than in nonsmokers, effects that may be secondary to the stabilization of Hb Zurich by carbon monoxide.