MUCOSAL IRON TRANSPORT BY RAT INTESTINE

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  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 56  (6) , 1029-1035
Abstract
Using highly sensitive 2-site immunoradiometric assays, the relationship between Fe absorption from closed intestinal loops and transferrin and ferritin concentrations in isolated duodenal mucosal cells was examined. As in prior studies, mucosal ferritin correlates inversely with Fe absorption and directly with body Fe stores as measured by the concentrations of nonheme Fe in liver. Mucosal transferrin varies directly with the total mucosal uptake of radioFe and the proportion of this radioFe transferred from the mucosa to the carcass. The highest correlation with Fe absorption was observed with the transferrin:ferritin ratio in isolated mucosal cells. There are probably 2 functionally distinct Fe-binding compartments in the duodenal mucosa. One is a strong compartment, ferritin and the other is a transport compartment, transferrin. Control of Fe absorption by the intestinal mucosa is closely tied to the balance between these 2 intracellular Fe compartments.