Effects of hypoxia on iron absorption and mobilization in the rat

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Abstract
Rats exposed to an atmosphere of 10% oxygen increase their absorption of a test dose of iron after 6 8 hr. Release of tissue storage iron begins within 2 hr of the start of hypoxia and continues for at least 8 hr. An oral iron load does not prevent the release of tissue iron in response to hypoxia. Iron-loaded rats also release iron from storage depots and increase their minimal absorption in response to hypoxia. Iron-deficient rats apparently have a diminished tissue release and also increase absorption above their elevated base-line levels. Xanthine loading had no effect on the release of tissue iron or changes in absorption with hypoxia, and there was no evidence that changes in xanthine oxidase activity in the liver or bowel were directly associated with tissue release or absorption of iron.