Abstract
Summary
The yak has two hemoglobins sharing a common globin chain. Hb slow appears unique to the yak among the ruminants studied. It is not known if Hb slow is important in high altitude adaptation, but physiologic rather than hematologic adjustments may be more important after acute blood loss, as 2,3-DPG remains nil and no disproportionate hemoglobin production occurs.
The authors thank Dr. B. R. Baidya, Director General, and Dr. N. K. Shah, Chief Epidemiologist, His Majesty's Government Directorate of Health Services, Nepal, for their approval and assistance in carrying out this study, and Drs. C. R. Valeri and C. G. Zaroulis of the U.S. Naval Blood Research Laboratory, Chelsea, MA, for the 2,3-DPG, ATP and lactate levels. Supported by PHS Grant No. 5 R07 AI 10048-13.
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