[Morphological and biochemical changes of the heart in experimental hypochromic anemia in rats]

The effect of iron deficiency anemia on the catecholamine levels and morphology of the heart was studied in young male Wistar rats. The iron-deficient rats showed mild restriction of body weight gain and a striking lowering of blood hemoglobin concentration. In addition the present study demonstrated that the experimental iron deficiency anemia induces cardiac hypertrophy, as revealed by increased heart weight associated with increased size of cardiac muscle cells, as well as decreased myocardium catecholamine levels. The possible meaning of the neurohormonal change in the pathogenesis of the hypertrophic heart is discussed.