EFFECTS OF A STATIC MAGNETIC-FIELD ON HEMOGLOBIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

The exposure of mice to static magnetic fields (MF) of different stren gths (1000-4000 G) for 10 min was studied, The effects of these magnet ic fields on the function of haemoglobin (Hb), and its conformational stability, auto-oxidation kinetics, bioenergetics and viscosity, and t hose of different Hb derivatives were investigated. The fractions and concentrations of the inactive Hb pigments (such as methaemoglobin, ca rboxyhaemoglobin and sulfohaemoglobin) and the active Hb (in the HbO(2 ) form) were determined using a newly developed multi-component spectr ophotometric method. The direct effect of magnetic fields of relativel y high strengths (3500 and 4000 G) led to different Hb conformations, accompanied by changes in intermolecular interactions represented by t he slope of the eta(sp)/C=F(C) lines and Huggins' constant K', while n o measurable change in the intrinsic viscosity [eta] of Hb was observe d. These results indicate a lack of changes in the dimensions and shap e of the Hb molecule. Study of the kinetics of oxyhaemoglobin auto-oxi dation revealed decreases in the auto-oxidation reaction rate of 2-5.9 % and 10-17%, under the effect of static MFs of strengths 1000-2500 G and 3500-4000 G, respectively.