The Effect of Various Pathological Conditions on in vivo Hemoglobin Synthesis: II. Polonium-Induced Anemia as Studied with Alpha-C 14 -Glycine

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Abstract
The in-corporation of alpha C14 glycine into circulating erythrocytes was studied in rats made anemic by admn. of the alpha-emitter polonium. Relative rates of C14 incorporation into hemin-(measured as protoporphyrin dimethyl ester) and globin fractions remained unchanged despite the presence of moderate to severe anemia at the time of sacrifice. A significant lowering of the millimolar isotope concn. in hemoglobin and of the per cent total C14-dose incorporated occurred in 4 groups of rats receiving 40 [mu]c/kg, of polonium. No significant lowering of incorporation occurred in 2 other groups at this dosage level and in 2 groups at a lower dosage level. The lack of change in the C14 activity ratio of globin to hemin contrasts with earlier results obtained with X-rays in which marked alteration of this ratio was found. It is suggested that polonium induces anemia by a mechanism which depresses total circulating hemoglobin without marked alteration in the relative rates of hemin and globin synthesis. To this extent it resembles beryllium-induced anemia more than that produced by whole body X-irradiation.