American Journal of Physiology-Legacy Content · 1958 · 114 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesBiochemistryPhysiologyMaternal-fetal MedicineMetabolic PhysiologyMetabolismIron MetabolismIron TransportMaternal-fetal PhysiologyPlacental BiologyPlacental PhysiologyPregnancy PhysiologyConcentration Gradient Driven TransportIron Metabolism RegulationIron TurnoverNutrient Transport Across The PlacentaPlacental Iron TransportPlacental Micronutrient TransportPlacental Nutrient TransferPlacental Nutrient Transport
Iron metabolism during pregnancy in rabbits has been studied, showing that placental transport reflects both fetal demands and maternal iron status. Placental iron is transported against a concentration gradient. During pregnancy, iron transfer to the fetus rises with fetal age and weight, with 90 % of maternal plasma iron directed to the fetus, largely deposited as non‑hemoglobin iron, via an active placental uptake that is independent of fetal demand and does not allow retrograde transfer.
Studies on iron metabolism were made in pregnant rabbits. The amount of iron transported from the maternal plasma to fetus increased progressively with age and weight of the fetus. By the end of the pregnancy 90% of the plasma iron turnover was directed to the fetus. The majority of fetal iron is deposited as nonhemoglobin iron. Placental iron transport occurs against a concentration gradient. The uptake of iron by the placenta is an active process independent of the fetus, and retrograde transfer of iron from the fetus to mother does not occur. Studies of altered maternal metabolism indicate that placental transport reflects both fetal demands and state of iron metabolism in the mother.