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An extensive set of data relating to the binding of oxygen by haemocyanin from the squid Todarodes sagittatus has been collected under various experimental conditions. The results obtained show that, within the range of physiological pH, the concentration of protons affects mainly the high-affinity state of the molecule without significantly affecting the low-affinity state. As far as the effect of temperature is concerned, the data show a characteristic feature which is very similar to that previously described in the case of haemoglobins from Arctic mammals such as reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and musk ox. (Ovibos moschatus). The shape of the oxygen equilibrium curve shows strong temperature-dependence, since the overall heat of the binding of oxygen to the low-affinity state of the molecule is strongly exothermic and that to the high-affinity state is very close to zero. The results provide an outline of the intramolecular compromise that, through the interplay of temperature and protons, optimizes the loading and unloading of oxygen under the various environmental conditions experienced by this species of squid.

The functional properties of haemoglobin from the Lesser Rorqual whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) have been characterized as a function of the heterotropic effector concentrations and temperature. The results obtained suggest the existence of sophisticated modulation mechanisms based on the interplay of organic phosphates, carbon dioxide, lactate and temperature. These, together with the very small apparent heat of oxygenation (delta H) of oxygen binding, have been physiologically interpreted on the basis of the specific metabolic needs of this diving mammal.

Finback-whale (Balaenoptera physalus L.) heparin was partially digested with a purified heparinase and an octasaccharide with high affinity for antithrombin III was isolated from the digest by gel filtration, followed by affinity chromatography on a column of antithrombin III immobilized on Sepharose 4B. This octasaccharide possessed high inhibitory activity for Factor Xa in the presence of antithrombin III, but was essentially inactive for thrombin-antithrombin III reaction. The anticoagulant activity determined by the activated-partial-thromboplastin-time method was very low (40-70 units/mg), although the initial whale heparin exhibited high activity (252 units/mg). On the basis of the results of chemical analyses, 13C n.m.r. spectrum and enzymic studies with purified heparinase, heparitinases 1 and 2, the predominant structure of the octasaccharide was proposed as follows: delta UA(2S) alpha 1 leads to 4GlcNS alpha 1 leads to 4IdUA alpha 1 leads to 4GlcNAc(6S) alpha 1 leads to 4GlcUA beta 1 leads to 4GlcNS(3S) alpha 1 leads to 4IdUA(2S) alpha 1 leads to 4GlcNS. Comparing this structure with those of the heparin octasaccharides so far reported, the presence of the critical structural elements for binding to antithrombin III was suggested in the pentasaccharide region situated at the reducing end of this octasaccharide. Binding to antithrombin III of the critical structural elements alone would appear to elicit the acceleration of the Factor Xa-antithrombin III reaction. Additional structural elements required for the acceleration of the thrombin-antithrombin III reaction and for the manifestation of high anticoagulant activity are discussed.