Effect of saccharated ferric oxide and iron dextran on the metabolism of phosphorus in rats.

As a means of investigating the physiologic damage to and histologic deterioration of the kidney caused by saccharated ferric oxide (SFO) and iron dextran (ID), we administered these substances intraperitoneally to rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 rats ( n = 7) were given SFO, 28 mg/kg for 9 days and 20 mg/kg for 19 days. Group 2 rats ( n = 5) were given ID, 28 mg/kg for 9 days and 20 mg/kg for 19 days. Group 3 rats (control, n = 9) were given normal saline solution. After 28 days, serum calcium, total protein, and albumin concentrations were significantly lower in the SFO group than in the ID group. Serum phosphorus concentrations were significantly lower in the SFO group than in the control group. Serum iron concentrations were significantly higher in the ID group than in the SFO group or the control, and the fractional excretion of sodium was significantly lower in the ID group than in the control group. The percent tubular reabsorption of phosphorus was significantly greater in the ID group than in the SFO group or the control group, and the theoretical threshold concentration of phosphorus was also significantly lower in the SFO group than in the ID or the control group. Histologic examination of the kidney after treatment revealed neither iron in the tubules nor any structural damage to the tubules. ID was not found to induce hypophosphatemia, whereas SFO did. We believe that the cause of such hypophosphatemia is impaired tubular reabsorption.