The Effects of Anemia

Abstract

A purpose of the cardiopulmonary system is to pick up oxygen at the lung, attach it on the haemoglobin molecule and transport it to the various body tissues for use in metabolism. Two primary physiological changes regulate oxygen affinity to optimise oxygen delivery under normal circumstances and under the effect of anemia. One is the Bohr effect and second is the red cell cytoplasmic concentration of 2,3DPG. The Bohr effect is a change in haemoglobin affinity for oxygen caused by ph or changing concentration of hydrogen ion. As the ph falls in the relativly more acidotic peripheral tissues, the haemoglobin molecule picks up protons leading to a tightening of the alphal, beta2 interface and decrease in affinity. When the red cell returns to the relativley more alkalotic lung area, the protons come off the haemoglobin molecule causing a loose binding at the alphal beta 2 interface and increased oxgen affinity. The second physiological regulator of haemoglobin affinity is the concentration of 2,3 DPG at the beta chain N-termini. This is a more long term method by which the body regulates haemoglobin affinity for oxygen and as a result oxygen transport.