The physiological significance of circulating transferrin receptors.

摘要: The safe and efficient transport of iron to body tissues from the gastrointestinal tract storage organs is accomplished by its binding transferrin, a specialized glycoprotein with molecular mass 80,000 D. structure iron-binding properties this protein are well known (Aldred et al., 1987; Worwood, 1989; Thorstensen Romslo, 1990). In presence bicarbonate, transferrin binds two atoms when fully saturated thereby prevents precipitation as ferric which otherwise occurs at physiological pH. Approximately one-third circulating in normal subjects, tissue supply being adequate saturation above 20% (Bothwell 1979).