Effect of alkylureas on the polymerization of hemoglobin S

Alkylureas (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-) can inhibit both the gelation of deoxyhemoglobin S and red cell sickling without denaturation of the hemoglobin or intrinsic alteration of its oxygen affinity. This effect is directly proportional to the length of the alkyl chain and substantiates the importance of hydrophobic interactions in the polymerization of hemoglobin S. In addition, it opens the possibility that further systematic investigations with these compounds will help quantitate the role of hydrophobic interactions in this system so as to further our understanding of the polymerization of deoxyhemoglobin S.