I. The Uptake of Radioactive Iron in Red Cells of the Rhesus Monkey after Whole-body Irradiation by X-rays

Summary

High-specific-activity ⁵⁹Fe has been used to study changes in the haemopoiesis in Rhesus monkeys following whole-body irradiation at LD₅₀ levels. A technique of giving repeated intravenous injections of ⁵⁹Fe was used, and this approximated to a continuous intake of labelled iron. It is shown that for about 20 days after the irradiation no new red cells enter the circulation and also that during this period the plasma-clearance rate for iron is low. When erythropoiesis recommences, most of the tracer iron which has not previously been used becomes available for incorporation into new red cells.