Paper Electrophoresis of Animal Hemoglobins

Summary Differences have been found both in the number of components electrophoretically separable from individual animal hemoglobins and in the mobility of these components relative to human A, S, and C hemoglobins. Under the conditions employed, with the exception of the horse, 2 of 3 calves, and 2 of 6 sheep, all of which possessed 2 components, the (adult) mammalian hemoglobins studied were found to have single components. Some displayed anodic mobility similar to that of human A hemoglobin (chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, pig, sheep, goat, cat, mouse, rat, hamster), others had greater mobility (macaque, guinea pig), and some possessed lesser mobility (llama, cow, dog, rabbit). In the Hereford steer, it would appear that temporary persistence of fetal hemoglobin accounts for the finding of 2-component hemoglobin in the calf and single-component hemoglobin in adults. Hemoglobin from several New Hampshire chicken and one Leghorn was found to have 3 electrophoretic components; that from other Leghorns, ducks, and a robin showed 2 components. Penguin and pigeon hemoglobin had single components. Hemoglobin prepared from each of 3 species of turtles possessed 2 widely separated bands. Black snake, water snake, and toad had one-component hemoglobins. Frog hemoglobin gave a 2-component pattern. With few exceptions the number of individual hemoglobins tested in any species has to date been small. It is likely that the study of larger numbers of animals will uncover additional examples of heritable variations in hemoglobin types.