Pleural mesothelial sequestration of iron in the rat.

Examination of morphology and iron deposition in pulmonary tissue from rats loaded with parenteral iron demonstrated a significant increase (compared to controls) of iron in pleural lining cells. No significant differences were noted in iron deposition in macrophages or in lung parenchyma. These results suggest that the pleural surface may represent an unrecognized target tissue in hemochromatosis.