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Experimental hepatic iron overload in the baboon: Results of a two-year study

Evolution of biological and morphologic hepatic parameters of iron overload

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Abstract

Four baboons receiving intramuscular iron for 15 months were compared with two control baboons. From the overall two-year observation period the following data emerge: (1) The baboon is a suitable animal for obtaining a massive and chronic iron overload. Liver iron concentrations reached very high levels (ranging from 41.3 to 180.6 μmol/100 mg dry weight vs 1.7±0.5, mean±sem, in controls), and a major liver iron overload (ie, with concentration values ≥ 18) was present in all four animals for an average period of 16.5 months (range 14–19). (2) When compared with human hepatic iron-overload disorders, iron distribution was similar to that observed in secondary (transfusional) hepatic siderosis since iron deposits were found primarily in sinusoidal cells. However, a marked parenchymal siderosis was also obtained close to that observed in primary (genetic) siderosis. Iron toxicity was present biologically as indicated by an increase in serum transaminases. Histologically, a slight fibrosis was observed in the most heavily ironoverloaded baboon. On the whole, this study of subhuman primates brings new evidence that ironper se has only a minor hepatic damaging effect. It also suggests that the ironoverloaded baboon liver provides a promising tool for the study of liver cell disturbances in human iron overload.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cliniques Médicales A and B; INSERM U49; Clinique Chirurgicale B; Laboratoires de Pharmacologie; and Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Pontchaillou, 35033, Rennes, France

    P. Brissot, J. P. Campion, A. Guillouzo, H. Allain, M. Messner, M. Simon, B. Ferrand & M. Bourel

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  1. P. Brissot
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  2. J. P. Campion
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  3. A. Guillouzo
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  4. H. Allain
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  5. M. Messner
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  6. M. Simon
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  7. B. Ferrand
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  8. M. Bourel
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Supported by a grant from INSERM (CRL 79-5-4507).

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Brissot, P., Campion, J.P., Guillouzo, A. et al. Experimental hepatic iron overload in the baboon: Results of a two-year study. Digest Dis Sci 28, 616–624 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01299922

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01299922

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