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Maternofoetal Iron Transfer in the Rat
Author(s) -
And Nathan Kaufman,
Wyllie John C.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1970.tb06980.x
Subject(s) - yolk sac , placenta , gestation , fetus , uterus , andrology , erythropoiesis , pregnancy , biology , medicine , endocrinology , embryo , anemia , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology
S ummary . The distribution of 59 Fe in maternal, placental and foetal tissues of the rat was determined at intervals of 8, 12, 15, 17, 19, 20 and 21 days of gestation. Large amounts of 59 Fe are transferred from maternal plasma to the foetuses in late gestation when foetal development is proceeding at a rapid rate. The deposition of 59 Fe in the developing foetus appears governed by erythropoiesis; liver and carcass are the principal sites. 59 Fe is rapidly transported across the placenta; there is no indication of a large iron pool within it. Both the allantoic and yolk sac placentae contribute significantly to placental iron uptake during the period of maximum iron transfer. Very little iron is deposited in the uterus during gestation; hence secretions from uterine glands entering the yolk sac cavity are a minor source of foetal iron. There is diminished uptake of 59 Fe by the maternal liver and spleen during the period of rapid iron accumulation by the foetuses.