The serum ferroxidase activity and the iron mobilization by estrogens

Abstract

Serum iron and serum ferroxidase activity has been studied in hens and roosters. It has been observed in sexual mature females, there are a parallel increase of both parameters, that reachs a máximum in the laying period with a sevenfold and a twenty- fold increase respectively.

Serum iron and copper rise also in a parallel way during the laying period and a similar increase was observed in immature pullets after estradiol injection.

The administration of serum gonadotrophin in immature pullets produce a rise in the ferroxidase activity, similar to that obtained by diethylstilbestrol injection.

The ferroxidase induction by estrogens exogenous or by an endogenous estrogens (laying period or gonadotrophin injections) seems the same phenomenum.