Mean net iron excretion in normal rats after administration of DFO by SC injection and after administration of HBED by gavage or by SC injection. Excretion is shown as μg Fe/kg body weight on the scale of the left vertical axis and as efficiency of chelation (net iron excretion/total iron-binding capacity of chelator administered, expressed as a percent) on the right vertical axis. Both chelators were given at a dose of 150 μmol/kg body weight.