Haemoglobin variants and thalassaemia in saskatchewan indians

Abstract

Specimens of blood from some 2500 persons (over one year of age) of American Indian origin, residing in various parts of Saskatchewan, have been examined for abnormalities of haemoglobin synthesis. A filter paper electro- phoretic technique using a T.E.B.—barbiturate discontinuous buffer system pH 8.9 was used and was followed by more detailed examination of any specimen considered to have an abnormal electrophoretic pattern. Haemoglobin G Saskatoon (= G Coushatta) was found in ten related individuals from a reserve in the south eastern part of the province. No other abnormal variants were detected either of haemoglobin A1 or A2. None of the commoner forms of thalassaemia were detected (associated with raised haemo- globins A2 or F or presence of haemoglobin H). Citrate-agar gel electrophoresis (pH 6.2) of some 800 specimens did not reveal any instance of haemoglobins Hope or Rainier, or of abnormal amounts of haemoglobin F.