Summary
The specific effects of L-lactate and urate on oxygen binding by the haemocyanin of the lobster Homarus vulgaris were investigated. Increasing concentrations of L-lactate were found to increase haemocyanin oxygen-affinity. The relationship between the oxygen affinity (ΔlogP50) and [L-lactate] expressed as (ΔlogP50)(Δlog[L-lactate])−1 was −0.11 at L-lactate concentrations between 0.3 and 11mmoll−1 and pH7.99±0.03. Urate, likewise, had a potentiating effect on haemocyanin oxygen-affinity: (ΔlogP50)(Δlog[L-lactate)−1 was −0.18 at urate concentrations between 0 and 0.93mmoll−1 and pH7.99±0.03. Cooperativity, expressed as n50, was reduced by the presence of both modulators.
The influence of the simultaneous presence of both factors on haemocyanin oxygen-affinity was also investigated. The effects of L-lactate and urate on haemocyanin oxygen-affinity were found to be additive. The possible physiological role of these modulators is discussed.
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- © 1992 by Company of Biologists
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