Identification of species specific hemoglobin by isoelectric focusing

A method for the discrimination of human hemoglobin from animal sources is described. Hemoglobins from 34 species with and without treatment by p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) were examined by thin-layer isoelectric focusing (IEF) in polyacrylamide gel (PAG) plates containing an Ampholine gradient of pH 3.5 - 9.5. PCMB treatment was effective in distinguishing human and animal hemoglobins with their characteristic IEF patterns. Values for the isoelectric points of the major and minor hemoglobins of each species are also described.