Iron mobilization in the pregnant rat.

Iron exchange in the pregnant rat was quantitated by repeated determinations of plasma iron turnover (PIT), transferrin iron distribution and measurements of storage iron and food iron utilization employing selective radio-iron probes. Despite a sixfold increase in PIT, intestinal absorption of iron accounted for 40% of the PIT throughout pregnancy, with variations not exceeding +/- 5%. Increased fetal requirements were efficiently compensated for by the mobilization of iron from maternal tissue stores and by increased absorption, and there was no subsequent reduction in iron supply to maternal tissues. Enhancement of iron absorption occurred in the absence of a reduction in serum iron levels or the size of iron stores. In view of the close correlation between PIT and rates of absorption it is postulated that iron absorption in the pregnant rat is regulated by PIT which in turn is determined by the rate of plasma iron clearance by the placenta and the maternal erythroid marrow.