Absorption of iron dextran from the peritoneal cavity of rats

We investigated the absorption rate and acute toxicities of intraperitoneal iron dextran in rats. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n = 6). The animals were given standard 1.5% Dianeal (group 1) or 1.5% Dianeal containing iron in a concentration of 2 mg/L (group 2) or 10 mg/L (group 3) as iron dextran. First, a predialysis blood sample was obtained, and 25 mL of the designated dialysis solution was instilled into the peritoneal cavity. After a 6-hour cycle the dialysate was drained, and a postdialysis blood sample and specimen of the peritoneum were obtained. The iron concentrations of the dialysis solution, the dialysate, and both serum samples were determined. Histological samples were processed by hematoxylin and eosin and Prussian blue stain. Results of the iron concentration (mg/L) of the dialysis solution, the dialysate, and the percent of the absorbed iron were as follows: group 1: 0.00, 0.20 +/- 0.15, N/A; group 2: 2.24, 0.66 +/- 2.8, 73.8 +/- 11.0; group 3: 9.84, 2.12 +/- 0.62, 80.8 +/- 5.7. The serum iron concentration did not change. No abnormal findings were found histologically. More than 70% of the iron dextran was absorbed from the peritoneal cavity of the rats during a 6-hour peritoneal dialysis exchange. Intraperitoneal iron dextran may be an alternative route of iron delivery.