Handling of Free Hemoglobin and Its Byproducts

Learn about the mechanisms by which the body handles free (intravascular) hemoglobin, including its conversion to iron-globin complexes and bilirubin. Explore the roles of haptoglobin, hemopexin, and methemalbumin in scavenging iron, preventing iron losses, and detoxifying free heme.

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Questions and Answers

Haptoglobin is a protein that binds to ______ and prevents its loss in urine.

hemoglobin

Hemopexin is a protein that binds to ______ and facilitates its uptake by the liver.

heme

Methemalbumin is a complex formed between oxidized ______ and albumin.

heme

Bilirubin is formed as a result of ______ metabolism.

hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

Bilirubin undergoes ______ in the liver before being excreted in bile.

conjugation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their purposes in handling free (intravascular) hemoglobin:

Scavenge iron = Haptoglobin Prevent major iron losses = Hemopexin Complex free heme (very toxic) = Methemalbumin Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their functions in handling free (intravascular) hemoglobin:

Haptoglobin metabolism = Liver and spleen Hemopexin function = Binding free heme Methemalbumin components = Oxidized heme and albumin Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their role in bilirubin metabolism:

Bilirubin formation = Hepatic uptake Transport of bilirubin in plasma = Conjugation Hepatic bilirubin transport = Biliary excretion Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their functions in handling free heme:

Ligand for heme-hemopexin complex = Hemopexin Destination of iron in heme-hemopexin complex = Ferritin Storage form of iron in the liver = Iron bound to ferritin Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their involvement in enterohepatic circulation:

Return of bilirubin to liver = Enterohepatic circulation Recycling of bilirubin through gut and liver = Enterohepatic circulation Signup and view all the answers