Release of iron from ferritin by pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone and related compounds

A family of iron-chelating agents structurally related to pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PIH) has been assessed using equilibrium dialysis and spectrophotometric measurements, for their ability to mobilize ferritin iron in vitro. The iron-chelating drug Desferal was examined in the same test system. The results indicate that PIH and related compounds release significant amounts of ferritin iron in the test systems in question. Added nitrilotriacetate enhances iron release, whereas citrate has little effect. The results are discussed in the context of the development of improved iron chelators tor clinical use.