Changes in the gamma chain heterogeneity of hemoglobin F of the baboon (Papio cynocephalus) postnatally and after partial switching to hemoglobin F production by various stimuli

• Published in: The Journal of biological chemistry 1983-03, Vol.258 (5), p.3121-3125
• Main Authors: Schroeder, W A, DeSimone, J, Shelton, J B, Shelton, J R, Espinueva, Z, Hall, L, Zwiers, D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Animals; Fetal Hemoglobin - genetics; Fetal Hemoglobin - metabolism; Genetic Variation; Hemoglobin A - metabolism; Macromolecular Substances; Papio - growth & development
• ISSN: 0021-9258; 1083-351X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9258(18)32839-4

The postnatal switch from hemoglobin (Hb) F to Hb A in the baboon (Papio cynocephalus) occurs somewhat more rapidly than in humans. Minor components which are related to Hb F and Hb A are also present and show reciprocal rise and fall. The baboon produces two types of gamma chain presumably from nonallelic genes. These have either an isoleucyl (I gamma) or a valyl (V gamma) residue in position 75. As in the human case with G gamma and A gamma chains, the ratio I gamma to V gamma chains changes during the postnatal switch. Production of Hb F in the baboon may be stimulated by phenylhydrazine or more effectively by 5-azacytidine. With phenylhydrazine, the ratio of I gamma to V gamma chains in the Hb F is the same as in the traces of Hb F in the juvenile or adult baboon. However, with 5-azacytidine, at least some of the Hb F that is produced probably has been synthesized with an I gamma to V gamma ratio that is present prenatally and in the newborn baboon.