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Iron excretion in iron dextran-overloaded mice
Marco Musumeci1, Sonia Maccari1, Alessia Massimi1
1Pharmacology Department, Health and Food Safety, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
Blood Transfusion = Trasfusione Del Sangue
|June 25, 2014
Summary
Mice can eliminate excess body iron through a fecal excretory pathway, unlike humans who primarily conserve iron. This study reveals a novel mechanism for iron removal in mice.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Toxicology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Human iron homeostasis relies on conservation, with minimal excretion.
- Mice exhibit high tolerance to parenteral iron dextran.
- The excretory capacity of mice for excess iron requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if mice possess an excretory pathway for excess body iron.
- To investigate the mechanisms of iron excretion in mice.
Main Methods:
- Iron overload induced via weekly iron dextran injections in C57bl/6 and B6D2F1 mice.
- Quantification of urinary and fecal iron using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
- Assessment of cardiac and liver tissue via echocardiography and histology.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in fecal iron excretion observed in C57bl/6 mice (218% and 157% on days 1 and 2).
- Fecal iron loss accounted for 14% of total administered iron.
- No significant changes in urinary iron; iron accumulation noted in liver and heart, decreasing over time.
Conclusions:
- Mice possess a mechanism for removing excess body iron.
- Fecal excretion is a significant route for iron removal in mice.
- This study offers insights into potential iron excretion mechanisms.
