Abstract
In normal controls and patients with various blood diseases, biopsies of the duodenal mucosa were performed for the observation of stainable iron distribution in the intestinal mucosa and quantitative analysis of the intestinal tissue iron. Followings are the conclusions derived from comparison of the above results with serum iron levels and sideroblasts.
1. As for the findings of stainable iron distribution, only minimal distribution was noted in a few cases of normal controls. The iron distribution was remarkable in aplastic anemia, mild to remarkable in a some cases of anemia associated with cancer and leukemia, and mild in a case of pernicious anemia. In contrast, however, none at all was noted in essential hypochromic anemia, many cases of leukemia, and anemia associated with cancer. In a case of pernicious anemia, remarkable iron granules were observed in the proper mucosal layer and epithelium after treatment.
2. Quantitative analysis of intestinal tissue iron generally showed lower levels in essential hypochromic anemia and anemia associated with cancer than in normal controls, higher levels in aplastic anemia, and inconstant levels in leukemia.
3. Co-relations were noted between the amount of intestinal tissue iron and the serum iron level, and also between the former and the appearance rate of sideroblasts.
4. In iron absorption tests, no significant changes were noted other than a tendency to a minimal increase of the intestinal tissue iron in aplastic anemia.
5. From the above results, it is assumed that the amount of intestinal tissue iron is nearly proportional to the serum iron level and the appearance rate of sideroblasts. These findings also suggest not only that the intestinal tissue iron is significant as the iron present in the course of iron metabolism of the body, but also that the intestinal mucosa as a series of the reticuloendothelial system like the spleen and liver, plays an important role in the course of iron metabolism with respect to its storage and absorption.
