[Role of hemoglobin in adaptation to hypoxia in patients with iron-deficiency anemia].

To define Hb role in compensation of hemic hypoxia, the authors studied HbO2 dissociation curves (HDC), blood acid-base equilibrium, concentrations of 2,3-DPG and creatinine in red cells from females with moderate iron-deficiency anemia resultant from frequent haemorrhages. This form of anemia was found associated with a 34% increase in the level of 2,3-DPG against normal amounts of other two ligands essential to Hb affinity to oxygen, i.e. H+ ions and CO2. A 3-fold increase in creatinine concentrations and its direct relationship with 2,3-DPG quantitative characteristics gave ground for considering rejuvenescence of the red cells in the peripheral blood to be the underlying factor in enhancement of 2,3-DPG synthesis. A 2,3-DPG-induced in vivo HDC shift to the right by 2.5 mmHg stimulates oxygen release from HbO2. The resultant 15% additional oxygen partially compensates for low Hb blood levels in the anemic patients.