Hematologic values are less affected in Hfe-KO than wt mice after macrophage depletion. Macrophages were eliminated by weekly injections of clodronate-containing liposomes. Mice injected with PBS-containing liposomes served as controls. The effect of macrophage depletion on Hb (A), RBC (B), hematocrit (C), and MCH (D) values during the course of the treatment is shown. Data are mean ± SEM of 5 age- and sex-matched mice. *P ≤ .05 relative to PBS controls. **P ≤ .01 relative to PBS controls. ***P ≤ .001 relative to PBS controls.