Bovine hemoglobin (bHb)

Bovine hemoglobin is a heterotetrameric metalloprotein extracted from the erythrocytes of cattle (Bos taurus), consisting of two alpha and two beta globin chains [1]. Each subunit contains a heme prosthetic group with a central iron atom that facilitates the reversible binding of oxygen [2]. Its primary biological role is the transport of oxygen from the lungs to systemic tissues and the transport of carbon dioxide back to the lungs [1]. In pharmaceutical development, it serves as the active substrate for Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs), which are designed to act as acellular blood substitutes [3]. Unlike human hemoglobin, bovine hemoglobin's oxygen affinity is modulated by chloride ions rather than 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate, which simplifies its use in cell-free therapeutic applications [4]. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of acute anemia and life-threatening blood loss when red blood cell transfusions are unavailable or contraindicated [5]. However, the administration of cell-free bovine hemoglobin is associated with significant safety concerns, including systemic hypertension caused by the scavenging of nitric oxide [6]. Additionally, it can cause oxidative stress and potential renal toxicity due to the release of heme and iron upon degradation [6].

Other names

Bovine HbHemoglobin (Bos taurus)Bovine hemoglobin tetramerAcellular bovine hemoglobin

Acts as an acellular oxygen carrier that increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of plasma and facilitates oxygen diffusion to tissues, bypassing the need for red blood cell-mediated transport.