Studies of the absorption, distribution and utilization of a potential new haematimic (I-I-diethyl alpha-alpha-thiabiscyclopentaddienyl-iron) in normal mice and mice with sex-linked anaemia.

Abstract

Summary. The absorption, distribution and utilization of I‐I'diethyl α‐α′‐thiabis‐cyclopentadienyl‐iron (EX10–478), in which iron is present in a non‐ionized form, was studied in normal mice and mice with sex‐linked anaemia, an X‐linked recessive trait characterized by a defect in the intestinal absorption of ionic iron. Treatment of anaemic mice with intragastric EX10–478 and intraperitoneal iron dextran resulted in a complete cure, whereas intragastric treatment with an equivalent amount of ionic iron had no beneficial effect. Investigations using 59Fe labelled EX 10–478 demonstrated relatively high intestinal iron absorption in both anaemic and normal animals, greater utilization of EX10–478 iron for erythropoiesis in anaemic animals compatible with their known iron deficiency and higher deposition of EX10–478 iron in the livers of normal animals. These results indicate that (a) EX10–478 is well absorbed from the intestine, (b) there is no defect in the absorption of non‐ionized iron in sex‐linked anaemia, (c) EX10–478 iron is readily available for haemoglobin synthesis, (d) the liver is probably the principle iron storage site in the mouse, and (e) EX10–478 is a promising new haematinic and a potentially useful experimental tool for the study of iron metabolism.