DEPOT IRON IN THE RAT LIVER AFTER HYPERTRANSFUSION WITH RAT ERYTHROCYTES

Abstract
In the rat liver, the deposition of Fe was measured after hypertransfusion with rat erythrocytes. The liver Fe fractions were studied during 4 wk after hypertransfusions. In the 1st week, the hemosiderin Fe fraction increased together with the ferritin Fe fraction. Most Fe was deposited as ferritin Fe. In the last wk of the experiments, while the ferritin Fe fraction still increased, the hemosiderin Fe fraction decreased. At the same time, plasma Fe was utilized when erythropoiesis, which was suppressed by the hypertransfusion, recommenced. Under these experimental conditions, liver hemosiderin Fe is probably used in Hb synthesis.