The effect of cobalt on haemoglobin synthesis in primate reticulocytes.

The effect of cobalt on haemoglobin synthesis was studied in reticulocytes obtained from marmosets, new world monkeys. By means of different inhibitors the conditions necessary for either cobalt-induced stimulation or inhibition were determined. Cobalt-induced inhibition of globin synthesis was not reversible by the addition of either delta-amino levulinic acid or haem. Globia synthesis, however, in iron-deficient reticulocytes was stimulated by the addition of cobalt. Cobalt did not apparently require complexing with protoporphyrin for activity, since the effect was observed whether the haem-biosynthetic pathway was inhibited or not. The data have been interpreted to suggest cobalt operates by affecting a rate controlling step in the synthesis of globin.