Iron Metabolism in Acute Starvation

Abstract

Summary

Iron metabolism was studied in acutely starved and erythropoietically stimulated rats. Acute starvation did not alter blood volume or gastrointestinal absorption of radioiron. However, prolongation of the plasma iron clearance with concomitant diminution in plasma iron turnover and radioiron in the bone marrow was demonstrated in starved animals. These results can be explained by diminished erythropoiesis. Eryth-ropoietin administration reversed these changes, augmenting plasma iron turnover, gastrointestinal absorption of radioiron and bone marrow radioiron content. Approximately equal increases in plasma iron turnover were produced in both the fed and starved animal by injection of equal amounts of erythropoietin.