Effect of starvation and protein depletion on ferrokinetics and iron absorption.

CONRAD,MARCEL E., ARTHUR L. FOY, HAROLD L. WILLIAMS, AND WILLIAM H. KNOSPE. Effect of starvation and protein depletion on ferrokinetics and iron absorption. Am. ‘J. Physiol. 213(3) : 557565. 1967.-Starvation and protein-deficient diets caused marked ferrokinetic abnormalities and decreased absorption of iron. Observations at intervals after the onset of fast and in rats fed various amounts of protein suggested that the changes in iron metabolism were caused by depressed erythropoiesis and retarded growth. The diminished weight gain and decreased hemoglobin synthesis increased the concentration of iron in the plasma and various body organs. Starved rats with iron deficiency or hemolysis increased erythropoiesis to normal levels but not to values observed in unstarved bled or phenylhydrazine-treated animals. Although sufficient quantities of substrate can be mobilized for hemoglobin synthesis, a relative unavailability of precursors for hemoglobin synthesis may be important in the etiology of diminished red blood cell production. Animals attempted to re-establish and maintain a normal body concentration of iron by decreased absorption and increased excretion of iron. The decreased absorption of iron was not accompanied by an increased iron content or concentration in the ,duodenal mucosa. However, in starved rats increased amounts of dialyzable iron was incorporated into the duodenum from body stores. Although the total quantity of iron in the intestinal mucosa may be unimportant, the source and chemical form of iron may be a significant factor in the regulation of iron absorption.