Factors influencing hemosiderosis: The role of iron absorption

Abstract

After 50 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy, minimal hepatic hemosiderosis developed in only two of seven dogs and after 75 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy, in only one of five dogs. After 95 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy, marked hepatic hemosiderosis developed in only one of nine dogs. Depression of hematopoiesis as reflected by an increase in rib marrow space occupied by fat and a decrease in that occupied by hematopoietic cells was evident after both 75 and 95 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy. Minimal weight loss followed both 50 and 75 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy whereas marked weight loss followed 95 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy. Serum iron concentration and carrier protein saturation declined after 50 and 75 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy, but changed minimally after 95 per cent Billroth II gastrectomy. The results suggest that weight loss, diminished erythropoiesis, and hemosiderosis are not absolutely correlated; they suggest that weight loss and erythropoiesis require the presence of a normal mechanism for the absorption of iron for the production of hemosiderosis. In the absence of an adequate mechanism for iron absorption, hemosiderosis does not occur despite marked weight loss and diminished erythropoiesis.