4) BPG : a substance found in RBCs decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for O2 helping to unload O2 from hemoglobin. BPG levels are affected by certain hormones and horses living at higher altitudes generally have higher amounts of BPG. All these factors decrease the saturation rate of oxyhemoglobin resulting in the curve to shift to the right. This is known as the Bohr Effect .
B) Carbon Dioxide Transport
CO2 is transported in the blood in 3 main forms:
1) Dissolved CO2 : ~ 7% is dissolved in blood plasma. When it reaches the lungs, it diffuses into alveolar air and is exhaled. 2) Carbamino Compounds : 23% is transported in this way. CO2 combines with the amino groups of amino acids and proteins in blood (ie: hemoglobin). 3) Bicarbonate Ions : ~ 70% is transported by bicarbonate ions, HCO3-. Bicarbonate ions are dissolved in blood plasma, act as a buffer ion to help stabilize blood ph.
The amount of CO2 transported in the blood is influenced by the percent saturation of hemoglobin with O2. The lower the amount of oxyhemoglobin, the higher the CO2 carrying capacity of the blood. This relationship is known as the Haldane Effect.
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