The role of metallothionein on excess zinc metabolism in mouse.

Abstract

The role of metallothionein (MT) in the metabolism of excess zinc (Zn) was studied by the use of mice and the following results were obtained. 1. By the combined use of cycloheximide (0-150 mg/kg, i.p.) and Zn (50 mg/kg, s.c.), after 6 h the concentrations of MT in the liver, kidney, small intestine and pancreas induced by Zn decreased with an increase in the amounts of cycloheximide administered. In the liver and small intestine a strong positive corelation was detected between MT and Zn concentrations. 2. The combined use of cycloheximide (0-200 mg/kg, i.p.) and Zn (50 mg/kg, s.c.), a weak negative corelation was found (p<0.05) after 6 h between MT and zinc concentrations in the liver and zinc concentration in the plasma. 3. The concentrations of MT and Zn in the organs 2, 4 and 5 d after the administration of Zn (20 mg/kg, s.c.) were measured and a strong positive correlation (p<0.01) was detected between both concentration in the liver, kidney and small intestine. The above results indicate that MT takes part in the metabolism of zinc in vivo.