CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS OF ABNORMAL-HEMOGLOBINS ASSOCIATED WITH ALPHA-THALASSEMIAS

Capillary electrophoresis was evaluated for separation of hemoglobin s pecies associated with alpha-thalassemias, and;for identification of h emoglobin variants commonly found in the same human populations. Separ ation of hemoglobins was achieved using capillary isoelectric focusing with chemical mobilization; visible-wavelength absorbance detection w as used to identify hemoglobins against a background of nonheme-contai ning proteins. This technique could easily differentiate hemoglobins B art's and H (associated with alpha-thalassemias) from hemoglobin varia nts. Analysis of globin chains-derived from intact hemoglobins was per formed by free zone Capillary electrophoresis under denaturing conditi ons. This technique was useful for distinguishing Hb Bart's and Hb H, and for confirming the identity of hemoglobin variants.