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Studies of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) hemoglobin
Laboratory Animal Science
|February 1, 1977
Summary
Researchers identified one adult and one fetal hemoglobin in rhesus monkeys using isoelectric focusing. Their hemoglobin systems closely resemble human hemoglobin, making them a valuable model for studying hemoglobin development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Primate Hematology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hemoglobin research is crucial for understanding oxygen transport and related genetic disorders.
- Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are frequently used as models in biomedical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the hemoglobin composition in adult and neonatal rhesus monkeys.
- To evaluate the rhesus monkey as a model for human hemoglobin development studies.
Main Methods:
- Isoelectric focusing was employed to identify hemoglobin variants.
- Cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis was used to compare rhesus monkey globins with human hemoglobin A.
Main Results:
- A single adult hemoglobin type was detected in adult rhesus monkeys.
- A distinct fetal hemoglobin was identified in neonatal rhesus monkeys.
- Electrophoretic analysis revealed similarities between rhesus monkey alpha and non-alpha globins and human hemoglobin A.
Conclusions:
- The rhesus monkey possesses a distinct hemoglobin system with both adult and fetal forms.
- The observed similarities in globin electrophoretic mobility suggest the rhesus monkey is a suitable model for investigating human hemoglobin development.