Merck, H2625-1KG, Hemoglobin from bovine blood

General description
Hemoglobin is the major component of red blood cells and is responsible for their red color. Its normal concentration in erythrocytes is 34%. Hemoglobin is a globular protein with α and β chains with every 141 and 146 amino acids respectively. It exists as a tetramer with each monomer having heterocyclic porphyrin ring with iron constituting the heme.
Application
Hemoglobin from bovine blood has been used as a substrate in cathepsin D activity assay. It has also been used to measure the activity of acid proteases (pepsin-like) in the stomach extract.
The solubility of α-elastin has been applied to construction of elastin-mimetic biomaterials.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Bovine hemoglobin is used in the production of hemoglobin-vesicles (HbV). It has high thermal stability and high oxygen affinity when compared to human hemoglobin. Bovine hemoglobin interacts with synthetic and azo dyes. Polymerized forms of bovine hemoglobin are used to treat autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Oxygen transporter, NO scavenger
Oxygen transporter. The Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ balance is a physiological indicator of blood oxygenation; deoxygenated hemoglobin accessorizes a feedback loop by reducing nitrite to NO, a vasodilator which enhances blood flow to oxygen-deprived tissues.
Preparation Note
Prepared from washed, lysed and dialyzed erythrocytes.
Disclaimer
Since native hemoglobin is readily oxidized in air, these preparations may be predominantly methemoglobin.