Iron Metabolism in Rats with Phenylhydrazine-Induced Hemolytic Disease

Increased absorption and excretion of iron were observed in AcPh-treated animals. Enhanced absorption was related to a decrease in the iron content of intestinal epithelial cells and an accelerated plasma iron turnover. Increased excretion of iron from AcPh-treated rats was attributed to an enhanced biliary loss of iron and an increased rate of turnover of the small intestinal epithelium. The balance established between absorption and loss of iron would prevent the accumulation of a massive iron store in this hemolytic disorder.