Iron-copper metalloprotiens conection in the pregnant rabbit

The balance required to maintain appropriate cellular and tissue iron levels has led to the evolution of multiple mechanisms to precisely regulate iron uptake from transferrin and low molecular weight iron chelates .A role for ceruloplasmin [Cp] in vertebrate iron metabolism is suggested by its potent ferroxidase activity catalyzing conversion of Fe[2+] to Fe[3+]. The influence of pregnancy having a significant impact on iron balance was analyzed and the interaction between Cp and ferritin was investigated. Our data provide evidence that Cp and ferritin appear to have a regulatory/inhibitory role in both iron absorption and homeostasis