Effects of Erythropoietin on Intestinal Iron Absorption in Rabbits

Erythropoietin ls a mammalian hormone synthesized primarily by renal tissues ln response to tissue hypoxia. the hormone accelerates erythropoiesis, the process of red blood cell (erythrocyte) production, Increasing oxygen transport to tissue cells. Accelerated erythropoiesis implies an increased rate of hemoglobin synthesis and, therefore, an increased demand for iron, which ls an integral part of the hemoglobin molecule. Iron, to meet this requirement, may be obtained by mobilizing storage iron or by enhancing dietary iron absorption. That erythropoiesis promotes increased absorption of dietary iron has been delineated. However, the actual mechanism involved has not been elucidated completely. It has been postulated that erythropoietin may stimulate the intestine directly when more iron ls needed. Currently, there ls no substantial evidence supporting this theory and some evidence to the contrary. The purpose of this experiment is twofold; 1) to investigate direct enhancement of intestinal iron absorption by arythropoletln 2) to evaluate a modified gut sac technique