Effect of the chelator desferrioxamine on aluminum elimination in rabbits

The effect of desferrioxamine (DFO) on the mobilization and elimination of aluminum (Al) in Al-loaded rabbits was studied. Six to 7 weeks after completion of 20 s.c. Al injections (600 mumoles/kg administered 5 days/week), sterile deionized water or DFO (32 mg/kg s.c. every 2 hours for 3 doses) was administered and serum [Al] and urinary Al output (UA10) were monitored. DFO treatment significantly increased serum [Al] and UA10 over control treatment, supporting its use in human Al overload conditions.