Effects of indomethacin on erythropoiesis and plasma iron in rats.

The effect of indomethacin on erythropoiesis and plasma iron in rats is investigated after 3-day treatment. A more considerable decrease of erythrocytes, haemoglobin and plasma iron is observed, as well as an increase in reticulocytes and 59Fe incorporated in the newly-formed erythrocytes. The plasma bilirubin and lactate levels are also higher. Obviously, this suggests a regeneratory anaemia. It is concluded that prostaglandins are necessary for the normal iron metabolism and for erythropoiesis, but their absence does not prevent entirely the process of erythroid regeneration.