Alprazolam induced conformational change in hemoglobin

Alprazolam (ALP) is a widely prescribed sedative and antidepressant benzodiazepine group of drugs. The wide uses of this drug lead us to investigate its possible interaction with hemoglobin (Hb). Spectrophotometric and spectofluorimetric studies showed strong binding of ALP with Hb. Circular dichroic spectra showed that α-helical structure of Hb-subunits has been largely changed. On ALP treatment partial pressure of O2 is increased in the blood indicating release of O2 from erythrocytes. Further, the binding of ALP-induced conformational changes in Hb resulting in larger Hb particle size was demonstrated by dynamic light scattering experiment. Thus, the present study unambiguously raises question of danger of random usage of ALP, which binds with and changes the function of Hb.