Rescue of cGMP kinase I and the cause of premature death

Results cGKI-/and the RM have a severe anemia and splenomegalie which is associated with a strongly reduced iron content and expression of the ferritin light chain in the spleen. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of transferrin receptor (TfRc) and divalent metal ion transporter (DMT1) are increased in the spleen. Oral or i.m. administration of iron restores partially the iron levels in the spleen of genetargeted cGKI mice, but affects the anemia only moderately. Examination of the intestinal tract showed a massive ulceration in the duodenum that caused intestinal bleeding in cGKI-/and at the later age in the RM as well.