In vitro effects of conalbumin on iron transport by rat intestinal mucosa

The possible effects of conalbumin (a glycoprotein closely resembling lactoferrin) on iron transport across the brush border of intestinal cells of the rat were evaluated in vitro. Iron influx was measured in proximal and distal tracts of small intestine from either normal or iron-deprived rats, both in the presence of 1 or 10 mg/ml conalbumin and in its absence. Conalbumin did not affect iron uptake at any concentration and in any intestinal segment, either in normal or in iron-deprived animals. It was concluded that the luminal presence of conalbumin, even at a relatively high concentration, does not interfere with iron intestinal transport.