Variation in serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and percent transferrin saturation in northern fur seals: a retrospective study

摘要

Hemochromatosis is an excessive accumulation of iron in tissues, and is often associated with the development of hepatic lesions. The term hemosiderosis is used when there are no toxic effects of the iron accumulation. Both conditions have been observed in free-ranging and captive specimens of many species. In humans, serum ferritin determination is second only to liver biopsy as an indicator of liver iron levels. Serum ferritin was measured for the first time in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), using an ELISA assay incorporating monoclonal anti-canine ferritin antibody and fur seal ferritin as a standard.