A Simple Method for the Detection of Unstable Haemoglobins

Abstract

S ummary . A simple test is described for the detection of unstable haemoglobins by the addition of haemolysate to an isopropanol/buffer solution at 37°C. Over 200 normal haemolysates have been tested giving no precipitation up to 30 min incubation whilst six samples containing an unstable haemoglobin gave a precipitate within 5 min, which was flocculent by 20 min. As well as being a simple and effective screening test, the procedure is suitable for the purification of unstable haemoglobins for further studies but suffers from limitations, probably in common with the heat precipitation method, in the quantitation of the abnormal haemoglobin. Its use as a research tool is illustrated by comparative measurements of the stabilities of various forms of haemoglobin. These show deoxyhaemoglobin to be considerably more stable than oxyhaemoglobin thus supporting suggested interchain bondings in deoxyhaemoglobin.