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Astyanax scabripinnis (Pisces: Characidae) hemoglobins: structure and function
G F Landini1, A R Schwantes, M L B Schwantes
1Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, C. P. 676, CEP 13560-950, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. gustavo_fraga@yahoo.com.br
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista Brasleira De Biologia
|March 28, 2003
Summary
This study on Astyanax scabripinnis (lambari) reveals consistent hemoglobin patterns and normal Bohr effect across different altitudes. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) significantly influences oxygen binding, with environmental oxygen availability potentially explaining varied blood oxygen affinities.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Ecology
Background:
- Hemoglobin-oxygen binding is crucial for aquatic respiration.
- Altitude and environmental factors can influence fish physiology.
- Astyanax scabripinnis (lambari) is a relevant model organism for studying fish adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobin.
- To investigate the Root and Bohr effects in Astyanax scabripinnis.
- To analyze the influence of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) on hemoglobin-oxygen (Hb-O2) affinity at different altitudes.
Main Methods:
- Electrophoresis was used to analyze hemoglobin patterns in starch gel.
- Bohr and Root effects were measured in blood and stripped hemoglobin.
- Hb-O2 affinity was assessed with and without GTP and other triphosphated nucleotides.
Main Results:
- All populations exhibited identical electrophoretic patterns with two cathodal components.
- Normal Bohr effect values were observed in blood (phi = -0.11) and stripped hemoglobin (phi = -0.12).
- Significant GTP modulation of Hb-O2 binding was found, with GTP being more effective than ATP in enhancing the Root effect.
Conclusions:
- Astyanax scabripinnis populations share similar hemoglobin characteristics and Bohr effect.
- GTP plays a substantial role in modulating Hb-O2 affinity, particularly the Root effect.
- Variations in blood O2 affinity may be linked to environmental oxygen availability, suggesting adaptive strategies.