STUDIES ON HEMOGLOBIN METABOLISM. II. PATHWAYS OF HEMOGLOBIN IRON METABOLISM IN NORMAL MAN*

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Abstract
The appearance and disappearance of radioiron bound to plasma protein has been followed after the injection of 100-250 mg of hemoglobin. The data indicate that hemoglobin administered intravenously in these amounts rapidly enters the catabolic cycle and that at least 40% of the Fe is split from the heme moiety and released into plasma within a few hours. A considerable portion remains extravascularly for many hours. The subsequent utilization of the hemoglobin Fe is less at any time than after the injection of transferrin-bound iron. This suggests that part of the hemoglobin Fe is diverted into relatively inaccessible Fe compounds.