[Hemoglobin functional activity in smokers].

Production, heterogeneity and functional activity of hemoglobin were studied in 60 practically healthy young smokers depending on the length of smoking. Those smoking under 5 years showed an increase of oxygen capacitance of the blood which is a response reaction to hypoxia; those smoking for 6-10 years showed changes of these values that may be interpreted as an adaptation reaction to chronic hypoxia. The functional activity of hemoglobin was reduced.