Accumulation of arsenic in tissues of iron-deficient rats.

Toxic concentration of arsenic (400 microg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally for 8 weeks to both iron-supplemented and iron-deficient rats. The results showed greater amount of arsenic in both the duodenum and liver of iron-deficient rats, compared to iron-supplemented ones. Duodenum containing high concentration of arsenic in iron-deficient rats showed significant reduction of ferrireductase (the enzyme responsible for the conversion of ferric iron to ferrous one) activity. Our results suggest that anemic rats are more prone to develop arsenic poisoning following chronic ingestion of high content of arsenic.