The structure of haem in pyridine/water mixtures and its implication in studies of haem catabolism.

1. A study of haem spectra in pyridine/water mixtures at low pyridine concentrations revealed changes in haemochrome structure consistent with an aggregation process. No corresponding change in the structure of the haemichrome species was observed. 2. This aggregation has been correlated with a previously observed sharp decrease in the rate of coupled oxidation (degradation) of haem as pyridine concentration is decreased. The decrease appears to be due primarily to haem aggregation and not to changes in the hydrophobic nature of the solvent. The effect of ethanol and butanone addition was examined and supports this conclusion. 3. Evidence is presented that coupled oxidation occurs via the iron (II) species (haemochrome).