The presence of free Hb not only affects the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, but also impacts other protein systems and organ function, but the mechanisms are not well understood. Even mild intravascular hemolysis may cause damage to the glycocalyx of endothelial cells and irregularity of the vascular smooth muscle tone. Although the main function of Hb in most mammals is to carry oxygen, similar proteins are found in other species with the function of scavenging various forms of oxidation byproducts. This is also evident in mammalian species where hemoglobin can bind CO₂ for transport back to the...