Iron Metabolism. Hematopoiesis Following Phlebotomy. Iron as a Limiting Factor 1

In the studies to be reported, dogs and men were repeatedly phlebotomized over a period of several months. The bleeding produced anemia and thereby stimulated hematopoiesis. The re- moved blood contained certain materials necessary for production of blood. It was anticipated that red cell stroma, pyrol pigment, and globin would be fabricated with ease while the assimilation of iron would be more limited. Attention was, there- fore, directed toward the iron metabolism of the phlebotomized subjects. In individuals with great variation in body iron stores the degree of anemia produced, the mobilization of body iron and the rate of hematopoiesis were calculated. The re- sults are presented to indicate the role which iron plays in hematopoiesis following the loss of blood.