Experimental hepatic iron overload in the baboon: Results of a two-year study

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Abstract
Four baboons receiving intramuscular iron for 15 months were compared with two control baboons. From the overall two-year observation period the following data emerge: (1) The baboon is a suitable animal for obtaining a massive and chronic iron overload. Liver iron concentrations reached very high levels (ranging from 41.3 to 180.6 μmol/100 mg dry weight vs 1.7±0.5, mean±sem, in controls), and a major liver iron overload (ie, with concentration values ≥ 18) was present in all four animals for an average period of 16.5 months (range 14–19). (2) When compared with human hepatic iron-overload disorders, iron distribution was similar to that observed in secondary (transfusional) hepatic siderosis since iron deposits were found primarily in sinusoidal cells. However, a marked parenchymal siderosis was also obtained close to that observed in primary (genetic) siderosis. Iron toxicity was present biologically as indicated by an increase in serum transaminases. Histologically, a slight fibrosis was observed in the most heavily ironoverloaded baboon. On the whole, this study of subhuman primates brings new evidence that ironper se has only a minor hepatic damaging effect. It also suggests that the ironoverloaded baboon liver provides a promising tool for the study of liver cell disturbances in human iron overload.