[Effector role of fatty acids in the transformation of methemoglobin into hemichrome].

The interaction of fatty acids (FA) with methemoglobin (met-Hb) was investigated. It was found that under the action of FA met-Hb is rapidly converted into a low-spin form (the so-called hemichrome). This process is reversible as proved by the addition of bovine serum albumin into the system. Using differential spectrophotometry, the efficiency of FA action on met-Hb depending on concentration and nature of FA was estimated. Using the circular dichroism (CD) method, it was demonstrated that under the action of FA the concentration of R-conformation in the met-Hb molecule is increased. The stoichiometry of the hemichrome complex with FA at various FA concentrations was assessed. A comparative analysis of the effect of various detergents with known structures on met-Hb was carried out. The mechanism of met-Hb conversion into hemichrome is discussed.