Oxydative Blood Destruction and Blood Pigments Protection.

Abstract

Contrary to the generally accepted idea that destruction of blood pigments occurs gradually it could be demonstrated by newer experiments that any oxydate destruction up to colorless end products may occur directly with the oxyhemoglobin (hematin acid, succinic acid) and that intermediary products (methemoglobin, hematin, porphyrin) do not appear.

This result can be proved: (1) by bacteriological examinations: Using agar prepared with boiled blood, it can be found that the destruction of blood pigments occurs with formation of peroxyd by certain bacteria and with decolorization of hematin. (2) by spectroscopical examinations. Blood containing hematin loses its color instantaneously if combined with H₂O₂. No intermediary products can be found with spectroscopical examination.

For the assumption of an oxydative destruction two different factors have to be taken into consideration. (1) A protective factor has to be assumed. This must be a product that is close to catalase. According to our last studies very small amounts of fresh blood are sufficient to protect the blood pigments (hemoglobin, methemoglobin, hematin) from an oxydation by H₂O₂. This protective action can be increased when different media are used. The smallest effect will be found by a dilution of water, normosal acts more effectively and still more intensive is the effect in urine; serum and bile show the most intensive action. The pH is here of great importance.