We used a unique animal model, the hypotransferrinemic (Htx) mouse, to examine the role of transferrin (Tf) in gastrointestinal iron uptake. Despite the absence of Tf, Htx animals hyperabsorb iron. Transfusion of red blood cells sufficient to normalize the hematocrit and reticulocyte count resulted in a return of iron absorption to normal values. These studies indicate that Tf does not play an obligate role in iron absorption, either as a carrier or as a humoral signal regulating absorption. Transfer of plasma or whole blood from Htx mice or from other animal models of iron hyperabsorption to normal mice did not cause an increase in iron absorption in recipient animals. Using the plasma or blood transfer approach, we have been unable to detect a humoral regulator of gastrointestinal iron absorption.