FIG. 2.

Effects of Hb, globin, hematin, and iron chelates on mortality in experimental E. coli peritonitis. Rats were injected i.p. with E. coli (4 × 10⁹ cells/kg of body weight) and iron complex or globin (12.4 mmol/kg of body weight), and mortality was determined at 24 h after injection. The injection mixtures were prepared immediately before injection. The total volume injected was 5 ml/kg of body weight. The molar ratio of iron(II) to chelator was 1:2. The ratio of dead rats to treated rats is indicated above each bar. Statistically significant mortality reductions (asterisks) with chelators, DF, and DTPA versus iron ion itself (P < 0.001) were determined by the chi-square test. MetHb and iron(III) ion had the same adjuvant effects as Hb and Fe(II) ion, respectively.