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Updated: Oct 19, 2026
Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
Published on: May 10, 2022
Numerous huge iron particles appeared around micro blood vessels under intestinal epithelial cells in infant mice fed
T Hagiwara1, K Ozawa, Y Fukuwatari
1Nutritional Science Laboratory, Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan.
Abstract:
In infant mice (2 weeks old) fed a diet with excess iron for one week, numerous huge iron particles around micro blood vessels under the basement membrane of intestinal epithelial cells were observed by electron microscopy. The frequency of occurrence of these particles (0.24 +/- 0.04 micron diameter) was markedly higher in mice fed a casein-based diet than in mice fed an amino acid-based diet. The quantity of these particles in both groups decreased in proportion to the term of 2 or 3 weeks. Changes in morphological features, such as opening of the intercellular junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, were also observed in these experimental groups. On the other hand, in mice fed the casein-based diet with excess iron, fat globules appeared in the intestinal epithelial tissue (intestinal epithelial cells, interstitial tissue, lympha) and the occurrence of these increased gradually in proportion to the term of feeding. These fat globules were not observed in mice fed the amino acid-based diet with excess iron. These phenomena might be elicited temporally in infant mice fed excess iron together with protein. The mechanisms of fat globule formation remain unclear.
Insights
Excess dietary iron in infant mice causes large iron particles in the gut, especially with casein diets. Fat globules also appeared, suggesting protein-iron interactions impact intestinal health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Toxicology
Background:
- Infant nutrition is critical for development.
- Dietary iron is essential but excess intake can be harmful.
- Understanding iron absorption and its effects in early life is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of excess dietary iron on the intestinal morphology of infant mice.
- To compare the effects of casein-based versus amino acid-based diets on iron particle accumulation.
- To examine the formation of fat globules in the intestinal tissue.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to observe intestinal tissues in infant mice fed excess iron.
- Mice were fed either a casein-based or an amino acid-based diet for one week.
- Iron particle distribution and fat globule occurrence were quantified over time.
Main Results:
- Large iron particles were found near intestinal epithelial basement membranes, with higher frequency in casein-fed mice.
- Iron particle quantity decreased over 2-3 weeks.
- Intercellular junction opening and fat globule formation were observed in casein-fed mice, but not in amino acid-fed mice.
Conclusions:
- Excess dietary iron, particularly with protein, can induce significant changes in infant mouse intestines.
- Diet composition (casein vs. amino acids) influences iron particle deposition.
- The formation of fat globules is linked to excess iron and protein, but the mechanism requires further investigation.
