The iron metabolism in the early stage of hookworm infestation was Studied. Ancylostoma caninum larvae were given to dogs in the massive number of 5,000-10,000, and the following results were observed. A decrease of tile hemoglobin level appeared as early as 2 days after the infection and the temporary decrease of the serum iron level were also observed in this early stage of infection. The serum iron level after the oral administration showed a slightly higher elevation in the infected group compared with the control. The amount of iron excretion from the bowel in the infected group was the same as that of the control. No hypoacidity of the gastric juice was observed in the infected group. Sideroblasts in the bone marrow showed a slight increase in the early stage of the infection, but decreased markedly towards the late stage. In the early stage of the infection there was no particular histopathological change in the small intestines, liver, or spleen. However, massive petechiae and an inflammatory process were observed in the lungs and the bone marrow showed increased proliferation. It was concluded that there was no significant inhibition of iron metabolism in the early stage of hookworm infestation.
Animals ; Dogs ; Hookworm Infections/*metabolism ; Iron/*metabolism