Further studies of binding of bromosulphthalein sodium by human serum albumin: effects of albumin concentration and buffer composition.

1. Binding isotherms of equilibrium solution concentration of bromosulphthalein (BSP) determined on the number of moles of BSP bound per mole of human serum albumin (HSA) in 310 ideal milliosmolar pH 7.4, Krebs-Henseleit and Krebs improved mammalian Ringer number 1 buffers at 37 degrees C were determined using continuous diafiltration. The albumin concentration range was from about 10 to 30 g/litre.2. The results indicate a competition between HSA polymerization and HSA binding BSP, confirming in more physiological conditions, the findings of Crawford, Jones, Thompson & Wells (1972) with pH 7.4 phosphate buffer.3. The results in Krebs-Henseleit buffer were markedly different from those in Krebs mammalian Ringer buffer and it is suggested that the differences in ionic composition influence the HSA conformation and so affect the competition between HSA polymerization and HSA binding BSP.