Erythropoiesis and red cell survival in the hypothyroid dog

Abstract

Determinations of blood volume, total red cell volume, plasma and red cell iron turnover rates, and red cell survival were performed in seven dogs prior to and subsequent to radioiodine destruction of the thyroid gland. Anemia developed slowly in all animals as a result of a diminished rate of red cell synthesis. Erythrocyte survival was unaffected by thyroid ablation. Serum iron concentration decreased in five animals despite the apparent adequacy of dietary iron intake and the absence of detectable external loss. In two animals, parenteral administration of iron failed to correct the anemia. Vitamin B12 was ineffective in correcting the anemia or in producing a reticulocyte response in two other animals.