title: The absorption and availability of iron from iron-poly(sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex in rats as measured by phlebotomy.
abstract: The local and systemic availability of the iron in an iron-poly(sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex (Ferastral) has been studied in rats. The animals were treated intramuscularly with the complex in a dose corresponding to 10 mg of iron per animal. The technique of repeated phlebotomy was used to induce and maintain constant levels of anaemia. The phlebotomies were started immediately after injection and at 14 and 28 days after dosing. At the end of the appropriate interval, the remaining amount of iron at the injection sites as well as the degree of utilization of the iron retained in the animals were estimated. It was shown that the amount of iron at the site of injection of these anaemic animals was less than 3% regardless of the time when the series of phlebotomies were started. It was also shown that the degree of utilization of the iron from the complex was 90% of the retained amount of iron when the phlebotomies immediately followed dosing, and 86% and 79% when initiated 14 days and 28 days respectively. The significance of the decrease in utilization is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D001815:Bloodletting; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005942:Gluconates / Q000378:metabolism; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013012:Sorbitol / Q000378:metabolism; D013154:Spleen / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D005942:Gluconates; D006454:Hemoglobins; D013012:Sorbitol; D007501:Iron