Influence of temperature on hemoglobin-ligand interaction in whole blood.

Temperature-dependent change in hemoglobin-oxygen affinity was measured as a function of hemoglobin-oxygen saturation. In addition, the CO2 Bohr factor and fixed acid Bohr factor were measured as a function of saturation of temperatures of 23, 30, 37, and 44 degrees C. Measurements were made on normal blood and blood with reduced 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG). The influence of temperature is greatest at low saturation and is enhanced slightly by DPG depletion. The CO2 Bohr factor is increased at high temperatures; this is primarily due to increased carbamino formation with rising temperature, especially at lower oxygen saturation. The effect of DPG on oxygen affinity is reduced at a high temperature and elevated at low temperature. These diverse effects of temperature on hemoglobin-ligand interaction require consideration in assessing oxygen delivery when temperature is increased or decreased.