Effect of Iron Overload on Some Physiological and Biochemical Variables in Immature Female Rats

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of (100 mg/kg b.w) on the weight of some organs (liver, heart, spleen, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus) and some physiological and biochemical parameters in immature female rats at the weaning age (22) days, the experimental animals were divided into two groups, the first group included (10) females were gave the solution of iron sulfate daily by mouth for 14 days, and the second group included (10) females were treated naturally and considered as a control group. The results of the iron treatment showed a significant increase (P ≤0.05) in weight of the liver and spleen, and a significant decrease in body weight, while no significant difference was observed in the weight of the heart, kidney, ovaries and uterus. While in the physiological and biochemical parameters studied, the results showed a significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde, the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and iron level, with a significant decrease in the level of glutathione compared to control group. It is concluded that iron has harmful effects on studied parameters and organs, indicating that iron is stressful and has a negative effect if it increases over the normal level.