Transfer of iron-dextran across the placenta

In pregnant mice. 55Fe-labeled iron-dextran (Imferon) is transferred across the placenta. It was detected in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and peripheral blood of the pregnant animal, as well as in the embryonic liver erythroid precursors and peripheral blood. Uptake by liver and peripheral blood cells of pregnant anemic mice and by liver erythroid precursors of anemic embryos was significantly higher than in normal control animals. Electron-microscopic examination revealed that the iron deposits in the embryonic liver erythroid precursors had the same structure as the injected Imferon.