Reactivity
Human
(tested or 100% immunogen sequence identity)
Immunogen
Native, from erythrocytes
Specificity
Recognizes human hemoglobin, a ~66 kD metalloprotein composed of four globular subunits each of which is associated with an iron-containing heme group. The heme group is involved with oxygen transport from the lungs to the tissues and the globin molecule plays a major role in transporting carbon dioxide in the reverse direction. Hemoglobin is found in the erythrocytes of all vertebrates. There is a wide diversity of amino acid sequences and substitutions within mammalian hemoglobins, however the molecular weight is generally around 66 kD with an iron content of about 0.34%. The level of hemoglobin in the blood is used in the diagnosis of anemia; levels in the feces are indicative of various clinical conditions. Shows <10% cross-reactivity with bovine hemoglobin.