TRANSMISSION OF RADIO-ACTIVE IRON TO THE HUMAN FETUS

Abstract

Radio-active Fe when fed in single doses to [male] near termination of pregnancy appears rapidly in the fetal circulation, definitely measurable amts. being present in 40 mins. The speed of transfer suggests that plasma rather than red cells is the vehicle. Distribution of radio-Fe in tissues of fetus following feeding of the mother and subsequent therapeutic abortion shows a wide dissemination of the isotope with the greatest conc. in the red cells. Of the other tissues studied the liver contains the greatest quantity. In early pregnancy the fetal hematocrit is low compared with that of the mother. At this time proportionately more radio-Fe is present in the fetal cells after feeding of a single dose to the mother. Later in pregnancy the converse applies. The relationship between the needs of pregnancy and the Fe uptake is discussed.