Asymmetric Hybrids Formed with Hemoglobin British Columbia (α₂β₂¹⁰¹ Glu→Lys)

Abstract

Whole blood and purified hemoglobins from a patient heterozygous for Hb British Columbia were studied with various types of electrophoresis. Isoelectric focusing of whole blood in cylindrical polyacrylamide gels showed 3 major hemoglobin species at equilibrium: Hb A, Hb British Columbia, and an unidentified Hb with an isoelectric point of 7.15. In addition, a transient asymmetric hybrid band was observed between Hb A and Hb British Columbia; it had disappeared at equilibrium. Hb A₂ was never present.

Isoelectric focusing of purified Hbs A₂ and British Columbia in various proportions, and gel permeation chromatography of them in equal amounts, indicated that the PI 7.15 component was a very stable hybrid. This hybrid was recovered from thin-layer isoelectric focusing in agarose. Electrophoresis on agar at pH 6.0 showed 3 hemoglobins: A₂, British Columbia, and one of intermediate migration. On cellulose acetate at pH 9.2, only the 2 parent Hb components, A₂ and British Columbia were seen. Thus, the single

Hb recovered from agarose is probably the asymmetric hybrid α₁₂δBBritish Columbia.