The ratio "circulating red cell volume/lean body mass" in normal and hypophysectomized rats on paired feeding.

The ratio "circulating red cell volume/lean body mass" was calculated in normal and hypophysectomized male rats put on paired feeding for 90 days after hypophysectomy, and in control rats both at the beginning and the end of this experimental period. Control rats at the onset of the experiment, hypophysectomized rats, and rats on the sub-maintenance level of food consumption did not show a significant difference in their red cell volumes/lean body mass ratios. These values were significantly lower than those of sham hypophysectomized rats allowed to eat ad libitum. These results suggest that the reduction in the feed intake that follows pituitary ablation may play an important role in the genesis of the post-hypophysectomy anemia.