[Photoconversion of hemoglobin forms in buffer solutions under the effect of ultraviolet and visible radiation]

Using spectrophotometric methods, the photochemical behaviour of hemoglobin in buffer solutions irradiated at 254-578 nm was studied. It was found that the hemoglobin photochemical activity is manifested in a cascade of photoreactions involving at least four protein forms and soluble oxygen. Hemoglobin photoconversions were observed both upon light absorptions by the globin and the heme. The efficiency of photoreactions decreased with an increase in the wavelength of the irradiating light. The values of quantum yields of the above photoreactions were determined.