Haptoglobin (Hp) counterbalances the adverse effects of extra-erythrocytic hemoglobin (Hb) trapping the alpha beta dimers of Hb. In turn, the Hp:Hb complexes display heme-based reactivity. Here, the kinetics of cyanide and carbon monoxide dissociation from ferrous-ligated Hp:Hb complexes are reported at pH 7.0 and 20.0 degrees C. Cyanide dissociation from Hp1-1:Hb(II)-CN- and Hp2-2:Hb-CN- has been followed upon the dithionite-mediated conversion of ferric to ferrous-ligated Hp:Hb complexes. Values of k(on) for the dithionite-mediated reduction of Hp1-1:Hb(III)-CN- and Hp2-2:Hb(III)-CN- are (7.3 +/- 1.1) x 10(6) M-1 s(-1) and (6.2 +/- 1.0) x 10(6) M-1 s(-1), respectively. Values of the first-order rate constant (i.e., h) for cyanide dissocia...