Aluminium Interference with Iron Absorption by Everted Gut Sac

Iron absorption by everted gut sac (EGS) and the effect of aluminium in this process has been investigated. Incubation of freshly prepared rat EGS in Earle's medium pH=7.4 containing either Fe (II) and or Fe (III) showed that maximum absorption occurred within 30 min of incubation time. The absorption of Fe (II) or Fe (III) by EGS was dose dependent. Maximum absorption was carried out in the presence of 8 mM of iron followed by a gradual reduction thereafter. Aluminium (400 ug/1) reduced iron uptake by 24%. Apo-transferrin when saturated with aluminium (30-90%) and inserted inside the sac caused reduction in iron uptake. The higher the percentage of saturation the lower the iron uptake by EGS. Suggesting the probable role of transferrin in iron uptake. The mechanism of iron absorption by EGS and the effect of aluminium in this process has been discussed.