Placental Transfer of a High Molecular Ferric Carbohydrate

Abstract

IN 1953, I suggested¹ that the placental transfer of iron in the rat is brought about by the placental structures building up a fairly high concentration of some hydrolysable iron compound or compounds, partly or wholly ferritin, the source of which was supposed to be the maternal serum iron. The fœtal needs for the metal were taken to determine the rate at which these intermediate placental iron compounds were mobilized. The iron transfer from the maternal to the fœtal organism thus seemed to be regulated in a manner not very different from that suggested by Granick² for the gastro-intestinal absorption of iron. Since Nissim³ first introduced saccharated colloidal iron for parenteral use, several papers on this subject have appeared. Considering the possibility of an untoward effect upon the fœtus brought about by the colloidal iron preparation, it seemed important to investigate this therapeutic agent, particularly as to permeability of the placenta to it, before recommending its use in the anæmias of pregnancy. In doing so, I have used the material and techniques described in my earlier communication¹, in which measured values in normal untreated pregnancy were given; these values have been used as controls in the present investigation.