Iron Deposition in the Bone Marrow and Spleen of Nonhuman Primates with Acute Radiation Syndrome.

The risk of exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation from nuclear weapons or radiological accidents is an increasing world concern. Partial- or total-body exposure to high doses of radiation is potentially lethal through the induction of acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Hematopoietic cells are sensitive to radiation exposure; white blood cells primarily undergo apoptosis while red blood cells (RBCs) undergo hemolysis.

Iron Deposition and Ferroptosis in the Spleen in a Murine Model of Acute Radiation Syndrome.

Total body irradiation (TBI) can result in death associated with hematopoietic insufficiency. Although radiation causes apoptosis of white blood cells, red blood cells (RBC) undergo hemolysis due to hemoglobin denaturation. RBC lysis post-irradiation results in the release of iron into the plasma, producing a secondary toxic event.