Induction of anaemia in monkeys.

Abstract

20 healthy young adult male rhesus monkeys were bled 3 times a week in an attempt to induce an anaemia and a depletion of iron stores. A mean haemoglobin of 6·1 g/100 ml and a haematocrit of 23% were obtained by 30 days. The iron saturation had fallen to a level of 11% and the reticulocyte response to 4·6%. Of note was the short period required to induce these haematological changes, and the minimal impact on the animals.