Effects of zinc deficiency on prostaglandins and fatty acid composition of the testes of rabbits

Abstract

The effect of zinc (Zn) deficiency on the plasma levels of prostaglandins (PGs), prostaglandin metabolites (PGM) and prostaglandin synthesis in the testes, was examined in control and zinc-deficient rabbits. The results indicated that zinc deficiency did not lead to any significant alterations in the plasma PGM, while plasma levels of PGF 2α and PGE 2 decreased significantly. In the testes of zinc-deficient rabbits, the levels of linolenic, eicosatrienoic acid, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids were significantly increased, while the long chain acids were decreased, as compared to the control. The results also showed that zinc deficiency decreased the levels of PGE 2 and 6-keto PGF 1α in the tunica beyond that of the control, and increased the levels of PGE 2 and 6-keto PGF 1α in the parenchyma. Increased levels of PGs in the parenchyma may be due to elevated precursor arachidonic acid in the zinc-deficient testes. Since the availability of precursor fatty acid is the important factor regulating PG synthesis, it was concluded that the capacity of the testes to synthesize PG was altered by zinc deficiency.