Unstable Haemoglobin Haemolytic Crises: Contributions of Pyrexia and Neutrophil Oxidants

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Abstract
Pyrexia and the production of oxidants by phagocytic cells were examined as 2 possible causes of hemolytic crises associated with infections in carriers (human) of unstable Hg. Three unstable Hb were examined, both in red cells and after purification. Incubation at 40.degree. C rather than 37.degree. C resulted in only a slight increase in autoxidation rate, but a considerable increase in the rate of precipitation of the Hb as Heinz bodies. Oxidants produced by activated neutrophils were capable of oxidizing Hb both in solution and red cells, though there was no preferential effect on the unstable as opposed to the normal Hb. Evidently, hemolytic crises associated with infections in carriers of unstable Hb can be explained by increased intracellular precipitation of the Hb as Heinz bodies caused by the accompanying pyrexia.

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