Oxygen affinity of hemoglobin regulates O2 consumption, metabolism, and physical activity

The oxygen affinity of hemoglobin is critical for gas exchange in the lung and O(2) delivery in peripheral tissues. In the present study, we generated model mice that carry low affinity hemoglobin with the Titusville mutation in the alpha-globin gene or Presbyterian mutation in the beta-globin gene. The mutant mice showed increased O(2) consumption and CO(2) production in tissue metabolism, suggesting enhanced O(2) delivery by mutant Hbs. The histology of muscle showed a phenotypical conversion from a fast glycolytic to fast oxidative type. Surprisingly, mutant mice spontaneously ran twice as far as controls despite mild anemia. The oxygen affinity of hemoglobin may control the basal level of erythropoiesis, tissue O(2) consumption, physical activity, and behavior in mice.