Abstract
The effects of low zinc nutrition and aging on central choroidal melanosomes were examined in the pig. Melanosomes of central choroidal melanocytes were morphologically and morphometrically examined in three populations of pigs (young, pregnant and aged), that were maintained on either control (C) or low zinc (LZ) diets. In C groups, the typical melanosomes decreased in size with age, although a subpopulation of larger melanosomes occurred in the oldest group. In contrast, the melanosomes of the animals on LZ diets increased in size significantly in the adult groups. The melanosomes in the pregnant and aged groups were 65% and 30-40% greater than those of the age-matched C groups. Extremely large melanosomes were frequently encountered in adult LZ choroidal melanocytes. Melanogenesis of these large bodies included the formation of one or more outer shells. Fusion of adjacent large melanosomes was also observed. Melanolysosomal-like bodies were observed, particularly among the pigmented cells in the large blood vessel region of C and LZ adults. Melanin dynamics, i.e. its production and breakdown, occurred within choroidal melanocytes throughout much of the lifespan of the pig. This dynamic was greatly influenced by low zinc nutrition, resulting in unusual and aberrant melanin activity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
