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Effect of transition metal ions (cobalt and nickel chlorides) on intestinal iron absorption
Author(s) -
LatundeDada G. O.,
Shirali S.,
McKie A. T.,
Simpson R. J.,
Peters T. J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2004.01396.x
Subject(s) - cobalt , nickel , transition metal , absorption (acoustics) , ion , metal , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , materials science , metallurgy , biochemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis , composite material
Background Haem biosynthesis may regulate intestinal iron absorption through changes in cellular levels of δ‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), haem and perhaps other intermediates. CoCl 2 and NiCl 2 are activators of haem oxygenase, the rate‐limiting enzyme in haem catabolism. Co 2+ and Ni 2+ may also regulate and increase iron absorption through a mechanism that simulates hypoxic conditions in the tissues. Design We assayed intestinal iron absorption in mice dosed with CoCl 2 or NiCl 2 . The effects of these metal ions on splenic and hepatic levels of ALA synthase and dehydratase as well as urinary levels of ALA and phosphobilinogen were also assayed. Results While Co 2+ enhanced iron absorption when administered to mice at doses of 65, 125 and 250 µmoles kg −1 body weight, Ni 2+ was effective only at the highest dose. Ni 2+ but not Co 2+ at the highest dose reduced urinary ALA in the treated mice. Both metals ions increased splenic expression of haem oxygenase 1 and iron regulated protein 1, proteins involved, respectively, in haem degradation and iron efflux. Co 2+ induced erythropoietin expression. Conclusions The data suggest that while the effect of Ni 2+ on iron absorption could be explained by effects on ALA, the effect of Co 2+ may not be explained simply by changes in haem metabolism; therefore, effects mediated by alterations of specific haemoproteins by mechanisms that simulate tissue hypoxia could be important.