Bohr effect

Bohr Effect is a physiological phenomenon first described by the Danish physiologist Christian Bohr, stating that hemoglobin's oxygen binding affinity is inversely related both to acidity and to the concentration of carbon dioxide.

Overview

The Bohr Effect is a physiological phenomenon that occurs in the blood. It was first described by Danish physiologist Christian Bohr in 1904. The effect refers to the shift in the oxygen dissociation curve caused by changes in the concentrations of carbon dioxide or pH in the blood. In other words, an increase in blood carbon dioxide concentration, decrease in pH, or increase in temperature will cause a rightward shift in the curve (Bohr effect) and therefore decrease hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Mechanism

The Bohr effect enables the body to adapt to changing conditions and ensure that oxygen is delivered to where it is needed most. For example, when muscles are working hard, they produce excess carbon dioxide, increasing the local concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. This causes a rightward shift in the oxygen dissociation curve, and as a result, hemoglobin releases its bound oxygen. Conversely, in the lungs where carbon dioxide is being expelled, the concentration of carbon dioxide is low, which causes a leftward shift in the curve and increases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the Bohr effect is important in clinical medicine, especially in the treatment of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF), where the oxygen supply is often compromised. Therapies that aim to modify the oxygen dissociation curve can be used to improve oxygen delivery in these patients.

See Also

• Haldane effect
• Oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve
• Carbon dioxide transport
• Respiratory physiology

References

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