Effect of X-Irradiation on Bound Iron and Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity in Rabbits

¹ From the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Atomic Energy Project, School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

Acute whole body-x-irradiation produced a hyperferremia in rabbits. This effect reached its peak on the 4th day, at which time the iron-binding globulins were almost completely saturated. The radiation dose did not affect the iron-binding mechanism even when the globulins were saturated prior to irradiation because the saturation resulted in a prolongation of the period of irradiation hyperferremia. The results support the theory that irradiation hyperferremia is a result of decreased iron utilization by the bone marrow. There does not appear to be any relationship between radiation lethality and hyperferremia.