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Study on conformational changes in hemoglobin protoporphyrin in essential hypertension
G V Maksimov1, N V Maksimova, A A Churin
1Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119899, Russia. maxim@biophys.msu.ru
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
|May 3, 2001
Summary
Essential hypertension (EH) alters erythrocyte protoporphyrin conformation, reducing oxygen (O2) efficiency and increasing intracellular calcium (pCa) and pH. These changes impact O2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in EH patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex cardiovascular disease.
- Erythrocytes play a crucial role in oxygen transport and acid-base balance.
- Alterations in erythrocyte function may contribute to EH pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in protoporphyrin conformation within erythrocytes in patients with essential hypertension.
- To examine the impact of these conformational changes on gas partial pressures (O2 and CO2) and ion regulation (pCa and pH) in erythrocytes.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms affecting ion transport and enzyme activity in EH erythrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protoporphyrin conformation in erythrocytes.
- Measurement of partial pressures of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Assessment of Na+/H+-exchange activity, Ca2+-dependent K+-channels, and Ca2+-ATPase activity.
Main Results:
- Essential hypertension is associated with altered protoporphyrin conformation.
- A decrease in O2 partial pressure and an increase in CO2 partial pressure were observed.
- Increased activity of Na+/H+-exchange and Ca2+-dependent K+-channels, alongside decreased Ca2+-ATPase activity, were noted.
Conclusions:
- Protoporphyrin conformational changes in EH likely impair hemoglobin's O2 metabolism efficiency.
- These alterations lead to elevated intracellular pCa and pH in erythrocytes.
- The findings suggest a novel mechanism contributing to erythrocyte dysfunction in essential hypertension.