Haemoglobin J Guantanamo ( [formula omitted]) A new fast unstable haemoglobin found in a Cuban family

Abstract

Haemoglobin J Guantanamo ( α 2β 2128( H6) Ala a ̊ Asp ) was found during a screening for abnormal haemoglobins in three members of a Cuban family, of negro ancestry. The substitution in this variant is located at the α 1 β 1 contact. This explains the slight instability and the mild haemolytic anaemia and morphological abnormalities found in the carriers of this variant. The instability of haemoglobin J Guantanamo indicates that the presence of Asp at the position β-128(H6) weakens the α 1 β 1 contact.