[The chemical element content of the erythrocytes in polycythemia vera]

A study is presented of the content of physiologically active erythrocytic microelements (iron, copper, manganese, cobalt and zinc) in erythrocytes of the peripheral venous blood in patients with polycythemia vera. It was found that in polycythemia vera the manganese and zinc in erythrocytes showed disturbances. These changes indicate the neoplastic character of proliferation of bone marrow in polycythemia vera. The changes are of compensatory-adaptative character and reflect the state of homeostasis in polycythemia vera.