Studies on the interaction of hematoporphyrin with hemoglobin

Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric studies reveal that an interaction occurs between hemoglobin and hematoporphyrin, a photosensitizing drug used in photodynamic therapy. Two concentration ranges of hematoporphyrin, 0.4-0.9 microM and 1.8-3.6 microM, representing significantly monomeric and aggregated (dimeric) state, respectively, have been used in the binding studies. The binding affinity constant (K) decreases, while the possible number of binding sites (p) increases as the concentration range of the porphyrin is increased. The nature of interaction has been studied by fluorescence quenching titration method under different ionic strengths and temperature conditions. It appears to be predominantly electrostatic and enthalpy-driven in the lower range of porphyrin concentration. However, the interaction follows mostly hydrophobic and entropy-driven modality in the higher concentration range of the ligand. The porphyrin-hemoglobin interaction results in release of oxygen from the protein. The extent of oxygen release depends on the stoichiometric ratio of hematoporphyrin:hemoglobin.