THE EFFECTS OF TOTAL BODY IRRADIATION ON SOME ASPECTS OF HUMAN IRON METABOLISM

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Abstract
Erythropoietic function was studied in 10 patients following 80 to 100 r total body irradiation. Plasma Fe59 disappearance rate was followed up to 64 days after irradiation, and red cell uptake of Fe59 was measured in 4 patients. All 10 patients showed a marked increase in the T 1/2 of the plasma iron disappearance rate during the week following irradiation. There was a second increase in the T 1/2 22 to 29 days following irradiation in all 6 patients studied, indicative of radiation injury and prolonged functional change. This second increase represents a decreased plasma iron turnover more marked than, and distinct from, that which occurs 7 days after irradiation. Two patients with normal marrows showed no changes in red cell uptake of iron, whereas 2 patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia had significant depression of uptake. At this dose level, the T 1/2 of the plasma radioiron disappearance is a sensitive indicator of radiation damage, and is associated with a decrease in plasma iron turnover, increasing prior to changes in the hemoglobin concentration or reticulocyte count.