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The Effect of Hydroxyurea on Erythropoiesis, Erythrocyte Survival, and Erythrokinetics in the Rabbit¹

Department of Medicine, Queen's University, and The Special Investigation Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

In a study of the effect of the administration of hydroxyurea in doses of 100–200 mg/kg/day on erythropoiesis, erythrocyte survival, and erythrokinetics, 10 of 12 rabbits developed a normocytic anemia, a decrease in plasma iron transport rate, and a reduction in red cell iron uptake, but no significant change in erythrocyte survival. The anemia was reversible and prompt recovery occurred when the drug was stopped. In 2 animals the anemia was associated with a moderate shortening of erythrocyte survival without a reduction in the plasma iron transport rate or the red cell iron uptake. In animals with phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia, hydroxyurea in a dose of 200 mg/kg/day impaired erythropoiesis, but it did not block the production of macrocytic erythrocytes in response to the erythropoietic stress.

¹ Supported by a grant from The Medical Research Council of Canada and the Clare Nelson Bequest.

² Research Fellow, Medical Research Council of Canada.

Received 3/11/68. Accepted 5/ 6/68.