Definition

Cytochrome b5 reductase is an enzyme in the blood. It controls the amount of iron in your red blood cells, and helps the cells carry plenty of oxygen. Persons who do not have enough of this enzyme may develop a condition called methemoglobinemia.

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References

Hoffman R, Benz Jr. EJ, Shattil SJ, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philladelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingston; 2005:655-656.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:1040.

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•Enzyme
•Methemoglobinemia
Review Date:2/26/2007
Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.