MILK IRON AND PLASMA IRON TRANSPORT IN A LACTATING MARSUPIAL DURING SHORT-TERM INTRAVENOUS INFUSION OF IRON.

Abstract

SummaryIn the lactating quokka (Setonix brachyurus) parenteral iron. as ferrous ammonium sulphate solution, was administered in an attempt to raise the milk iron. Following a single large intraperitoneal dose a rise in milk iron occurred within hours. There was, however, no clear relationship between the rise and the amount of iron injected and there was reason to believe the rise had been associated with unphysiologically high plasma iron cocentrations. During continuous intravenous infusion of iron at controlled rates plasma iron was elevated to maximal levels not exceeding plasma total iron binding capacity and under these conditions no significant alteration in milk iron occurred within four hours.A progressive and statistically significant rise in total plasma iron binding capacity which occurred during intravenous infusion of iron was probably the manifestation of a redistribution of intra‐ and extravascular transferrin in response to the need for more rapid removal of iron from the plasma.