Comparative studies of iron and zinc distribution in selected tissues of normal and iron-deficient rats

Abstract

Iron and zinc distribution in selected tissues of normal and iron-deficient Sprague-Dawley rats were examined.  Analysis of the data obtained showed that iron-deficiency anaemia resulted in a reduction (21.18% to 90.07%) of iron stores in the spleen, skeletal muscle, intestine, liver, diaphragm, kidney and stomach.  Also, zinc stores were significantly reduced (11.30% to 89.00%) in the skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, stomach, small intestine, lungs, heart, diaphragm and kidney.  However, there was resistance to iron depletion observed in the brain, heart and lungs of iron-deficient rats.  The resistance to depletion of these trace mineral elements observed in these organs appears to be a compensatory device to preserve the functions of these organs in the face of severe iron-deficiency anaemia thus ensuring the survival of the organism.