How does hepcidin function in iron homeostasis?
A)increases production of transferrin
B)promotes cellular storage of iron by removing ferroportin channels in enterocytes
C)promotes production and insertion of ferroportin channels in enterocytes
D)increases macrophage destruction of old red blood cells to release iron

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone produced by the liver that functions in iron homeostasis by inhibiting iron absorption in the small intestine and promoting iron storage in macrophages by binding to ferroportin and causing its internalization and degradation, which reduces the release of iron from enterocytes, hepatocytes, and macrophages. Therefore, hepcidin promotes cellular storage of iron by removing ferroportin channels in enterocytes.

How Does Hepcidin Function in Iron Homeostasis