− | * '''Methaemoglobinaemia''' formation occurs when the '''iron in the haemoglobin molecule''' is oxidised to the ferric (3+) state. In normal circumstances the methaemoglobin reductase enzyme reduces ferric (3+) back to ferrous (2+) but this system can become overwhelmed in some circumstances.<ref name="CVT"></ref> This is the only form of oxidative damage which is reversible. Methaemoglobin is a brownish compound formed by the oxidation of iron in haemoglobin from the ferrous to the ferric state. When present in quantity it leads to a muddy cyanotic discolouration of mucous membranes. Usually it accounts for less than 1.1% of haemoglobin. It is increased due to oxidative damage caused by toxins which may also cause Heinz body and eccentrocyte formation. Methaemoglobinaemia results from either increased production due to oxidative injury or decreased reduction of methaemoglobin to Hb. Congenital methaemoglobinaemia has been reported due to deficiency of the RBC enzyme NADH-methaemoglobin reductase. References: [[/en.wikivet.net/NationWide Laboratories|NationWide Laboratories]] | + | * '''Methaemoglobinaemia''' formation occurs when the '''iron in the haemoglobin molecule''' is oxidised to the ferric (3+) state. In normal circumstances the methaemoglobin reductase enzyme reduces ferric (3+) back to ferrous (2+) but this system can become overwhelmed in some circumstances.<ref name="CVT"></ref> This is the only form of oxidative damage which is reversible. Methaemoglobin is a brownish compound formed by the oxidation of iron in haemoglobin from the ferrous to the ferric state. When present in quantity it leads to a muddy cyanotic discolouration of mucous membranes. Usually it accounts for less than 1.1% of haemoglobin. It is increased due to oxidative damage caused by toxins which may also cause Heinz body and eccentrocyte formation. Methaemoglobinaemia results from either increased production due to oxidative injury or decreased reduction of methaemoglobin to Hb. Congenital methaemoglobinaemia has been reported due to deficiency of the RBC enzyme NADH-methaemoglobin reductase. References: [[NationWide Laboratories]] |