Experimental hepatic iron overload in the baboon: results of a two-year study. Evolution of biological and morphologic hepatic parameters of iron overload.
Four baboons receiving intramuscular iron for 15 months were compared with two control baboons. From the overall two-year observation period the following data emerge: (1) The baboon is a suitable animal for obtaining a massive and chronic iron overload. Liver iron concentrations reached very high levels (ranging from 41.3 to 180.6 mumol/100 mg dry weight vs 1.7 +/- 0.5, mean +/- SEM, in controls), and a major liver iron overload (ie, with concentration values greater than or equal to 18) was present in all four animals for an average period of 16.5 months (range 14-19). (2) When compared with human hepatic iron-overload disorders, iron distribution was similar to that observed in secondary (transfusional) hepatic siderosis since iron deposits were found primarily in sinusoidal cells. However, a marked parenchymal siderosis was also obtained close to that observed in primary (genetic) siderosis. Iron toxicity was present biologically as indicated by an increase in serum transaminases. Histologically, a slight fibrosis was observed in the most heavily iron-overloaded baboon. On the whole, this study of subhuman primates brings new evidence that iron per se has only a minor hepatic damaging effect. It also suggests that the iron-overloaded baboon liver provides a promising tool for the study of liver cell disturbances in human iron overload.
D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001835:Body Weight; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio; D013997:Time Factors; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D007501:Iron; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; C013276:teferrol