Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy with subpicosecond resolution: vibrational cooling and delocalization of strain energy in photodissociated (carbonmonoxy)hemoglobin

Biochemistry. 1987 Dec 1;26(24):7914-23. doi: 10.1021/bi00398a056.

Abstract

A Raman spectrometer that provides both subpicosecond resolution and independent, tunable pump and probe pulses is described. The spectrometer is employed to obtain time-resolved spectra of (carbonmonoxy)hemoglobin (HbCO) at times from 0.2 to 95 ps subsequent to ligand photodissociation. The spectra are interpreted in terms of a vibrationally hot heme that cools substantially in 10 ps. Concomitant with the proposed vibrational cooling is a slower relaxation, which we suggest results from a protein response to heme doming induced by ligand detachment. Results and interpretations are discussed in the context of current models of the heme photophysics and of hemoglobin reactivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carboxyhemoglobin / metabolism
  • Carboxyhemoglobin / radiation effects*
  • Hemoglobin A / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Lasers
  • Ligands
  • Photolysis
  • Protein Conformation
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Hemoglobin A
  • Carboxyhemoglobin