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Related Concept Videos

Oxygen Transport in the Blood01:27

Oxygen Transport in the Blood

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a crucial molecule in the human body, consisting of four polypeptide chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme group. This unique structure enables hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, with each molecule capable of combining with four molecules of oxygen, leading to rapid and reversible oxygen loading. When fully loaded with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin, while hemoglobin that has released oxygen is called reduced hemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. As hemoglobin binds oxygen,...
Hemoglobin01:24

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of four subunits. Two of these subunits are alpha chains, and the other two are beta chains. Each subunit contains a molecule of heme, which has an iron atom and can bind to oxygen. When an oxygen molecule binds to one heme group, it changes the shape of hemoglobin, making it easier for the other heme groups to bind oxygen as well.
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
Hypoxia01:23

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues. It typically manifests as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucosae, especially in fair-skinned individuals, when hemoglobin (Hb) saturation drops below 75%.
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Respiration and Gaseous Exchange01:20

Respiration and Gaseous Exchange

The intricate interplay between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is crucial for efficiently transporting respiratory gases throughout the body. Let us explore the cardiovascular system's multifaceted functions, emphasizing its pivotal role in gas exchange.
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves the...
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis01:24

Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure01:16

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure

Oxygen therapy has emerged as a significant tool in enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While this therapy has principally been studied on patients with significant hypoxemia, this therapeutic approach helps prevent potential organ damage and can be administered in the comfort of one's home.
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
10:00

Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice

Published on: March 15, 2019

Increased hemoglobin O2 affinity protects during acute hypoxia.

Ozlem Yalcin1, Pedro Cabrales

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA.

American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology
|May 29, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Increasing hemoglobin

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acclimatization to hypoxia involves complex adaptations in oxygen transport and utilization.
  • Hemoglobin's oxygen affinity is a critical factor, with decreased affinity favoring oxygen release and increased affinity potentially improving arterial oxygen saturation during hypoxia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that pharmacologically increasing hemoglobin (Hb) oxygen affinity augments oxygen transport during severe hypoxia.
  • To evaluate the effects of enhanced Hb oxygen affinity on systemic and microvascular hemodynamics and oxygen levels.

Main Methods:

  • Hemoglobin oxygen affinity was increased in animals via infusion of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5HMF).
  • Effects were studied in a hamster window chamber model, assessing hemodynamics and oxygen partial pressures (Po(2)).

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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy During Reactive Hyperemia for the Assessment of Lower Limb Vascular Function
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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy During Reactive Hyperemia for the Assessment of Lower Limb Vascular Function

Published on: March 22, 2024

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Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
10:00

Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice

Published on: March 15, 2019

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy During Reactive Hyperemia for the Assessment of Lower Limb Vascular Function
04:44

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy During Reactive Hyperemia for the Assessment of Lower Limb Vascular Function

Published on: March 22, 2024

  • Pimonidazole binding was used to identify hypoxic areas in mouse heart and brain.

    • Main Results:

    • 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5HMF) decreased the Po(2) at 50% Hb saturation by 12.6 mmHg.
    • During severe hypoxia (10% and 5% O(2)), 5HMF significantly increased arterial oxygen saturation (by 35% and 48%, respectively) compared to controls.
    • 5HMF preserved microvascular blood flow and increased perivascular Po(2), while reducing hypoxic areas in the heart and brain.

    Conclusions:

    • Pharmacologically increasing hemoglobin oxygen affinity provides hemodynamic and oxygenation benefits during severe hypoxia.
    • This acute acclimatization strategy may enhance survival in severe hypoxic environments when chronic adaptation is not feasible.