Changes of iron concentration and iron-binding capacity in serum resulting from alimentary lead deficiency

Iron concentrations and the total iron-binding capacity of serum were determined in lead-deficient rats. In comparison with control rats, the lead-depleted rats showed reduced iron concentration in serum, whereas the iron-binding capacity was increased. Repletion of rats by increase of lead supply led to a normalization of these physiological abnormalities. The changes of iron concentration and total iron-binding capacity indicate that iron metabolism is disturbed in lead deficiency. These disturbances are connected with hematological changes.