Relation of hepatic and muscle iron uptake with plasma iron levels in a land monitor, varanus bengalensis [reptilia]

ABSTRACT

Attempts were made to relate radioiron uptake of the liver and the muscle with plasma iron levels of Varanus bengalensis using regression and correlation coefficient analysis. With increasing time after radioactive treatment of this lizard, the radioiron uptake increased in the plasma, liver and muscle. However, correlation between plasma radioiron levels and those of liver or muscle decreased with increasing time after treatment. It is expected that the demonstrated relationship between plasma and the tissues examined will be useful in routine estimation of quantity of iron in the liver and muscle of Varanus bengalensis on the basis of known plasma iron values