Influence of Organic Phosphates on the Root Effect of Multiple Fish Haemoglobins

The influence of organic phosphates on the reduction in oxygen-carrying capacity at low pH (Root effect) in multiple fish haemoglobins has been analysed spectrophotometrically. In stripped haemolysates of carp, trout and eel, the Root effect in the presence of ATP was manifested below pH7.0. In the absence of phosphates, it was only found in trout haemolysate. In the pH range between 8.5 and 6.1 no Root effect could be induced in the cathodic component (Hbl) of either trout or eel haemoglobin, even in the presence of very high concentrations of ATP or GTP. This was also true for component II (Hbll) of trout. The anodic component (HblV) of both species, however, exhibited a strong Root effect potentiated by NTP. At the same NTP/Hb4 concentration ratio, GTP was much more effective than ATP in both species. The involvement of different haemoglobin components in the generation of high oxygen tensions in the fish swimbladder is discussed by comparing in vivo Root effect data obtained with an eel swimbladder preparation with in vitro data measured in eel blood and haemoglobin.