Chemical modifications of SH groups intraerythrocytic hemoglobin.

Chemical modifications of intraerythrocytic hemoglobin have been obtained by reaction of β 93 sulfhydryl groups with disulfides i.e. cystamine and cystine-dimethylester. The respiratory properties of the modified erythrocytes are similar to those of the hemoglobin reacted with the same reagents and the changes observed are the same for both compounds. Although other properties of the erythrocytes are modified, the resistance to hemolysis is not vastly impaired. The results suggest the possibility of using these compounds (or similar ones) to modify red cells for therapeutical purposes.