Development of a rat model for iron deficiency and toxicological studies: comparison among Fischer 344, Wistar, and Sprague Dawley strains.

We carried out a comparative study to develop iron deficiency in three strains of rats: Fischer 344, Wistar, and Sprague Dawley. Considering that certain ingredients in the diet, such as sucrose, may inhibit enzymes of drug metabolism, which we planned to study during an iron deficiency state, the diet was modified to contain 35% each of sucrose and starch. Results of hematologic studies at the end of 6 weeks of iron deprivation clearly indicated that all clinical signs of iron deficiency anemia--hemoglobin concentration, protoporphyrin-to-heme ratio, and serum and liver iron concentrations--were affected in the three strains. However, the deficiency was less pronounced in Sprague Dawley than in Wistar and Fischer 344 strains. Results of this study suggest that rat strains respond differently to dietary iron inadequacy; this variability could be exploited to suit specific experimental needs.