THE EFFECT OF AGE, PREGNANCY AND LACTATION ON THE HEMOGLOBIN OF THE ALBINO RAT

Abstract

The Hb of [11] young rats from a stock colony increased from 8.9 to 15.6 gm. during the period from 23 to 50 days of age. The Hb for [65] adults in the colony averaged 16.2 gm., fluctuating between 15.3 and 16.6 gm. The development of an anemia in [female] rats preceding parturition, and progressing for 3 days following with a subsequent spontaneous recovery, was observed in at least 92% of 145 cases investigated. A mineral supplement (Fe, Cu, and Mn salts) and additional vitamin B complex (yeast extract) added to the rations of [female][female] during various reproductive cycles had no apparent influence in preventing the anemia of pregnancy. The character of the Hb changes associated with pregnancy seems to indicate that this apparent anemia is physiologic, not pathologic, analogous to anemia associated with human pregnancy.