Tetrafunctional cross-linking reagents, reaction with hemoglobin and the formation of hemoglobin bis-tetramers

grantor: University of TorontoPreviously, a tetrafunctional reagent (DBIT) that reacts with hemoglobin to form hemoglobin bis-tetramers was developed. This thesis reports synthesis of other tetrafunctional cross-linkers with an isophthalic arrangement of either 3,5-dibromosalicylates or methyl phosphates. These cross-linking reagents were designed for the purpose of generating hemoglobin bis-tetramers. Results from cross-linking experiments indicate that the hydrophilicity of the cross-linker contributes to its ability to form the bis-tetrameric products. This thesis also reports the oxygen binding properties of hemoglobin bis-tetramer formed in the reaction of the hemoglobin with DBIT. The results indicate that the bis-tetramer has low oxygen affinity and almost no cooperativity in oxygen binding.M.Sc