In-vivo iron and chelator treatments

For iron treatment, twenty-three FTL-Tg mice (male and female mice were utilized) were randomized to one of the following two groups: (i) iron control (n = 10, equal number of males and females) or (ii) chronic iron loading (n = 13, 7 males and 6 females). Control FTL-Tg mice received placebo treatment with normal saline (0.5 mL/mouse/day) by i.p. injection once per week for a period of 4 weeks. FTL-Tg mice in the chronic iron overload group received one injection of iron dextran (100 mg/kg i.p./mouse) (Sigma) per week for a period of 4 weeks. The dose of iron dextran administered to these mice was based on previous investigations [16, 17]. Body-weights were measured weekly for all groups. One month was allowed for equilibration of iron after overloading, after which the animals were analyzed.

For DFP treatments, thirty-six FTL-Tg mice were randomized to one of the following treatment groups: (i) chelator control (n = 11, 6 males and 5 females); (ii) chelator low-dose (50 mg/Kg/day; DFP₅₀) (n = 11, 6 males and 5 females), or (iii) chelator high-dose (100 mg/Kg/day; DFP₁₀₀) (n = 14, 7 males and 7 females). Control mice received placebo treatment with normal saline (0.5 mL/mouse/day) by i.p. injection. DFP was administered systemically by i.p. route. Mice received a total of 70 doses, 5 out of 7 days per week for a period of 14 weeks. Mice were observed immediately before dosing each day and again for at least 15 minutes afterwards. The dose of DFP administered to these mice was based on previous investigations [16, 17]. Body-weights were measured weekly for all groups, and mice were analyzed at the end of the treatment.