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Related Experiment Videos

Metallothionein does not protect mouse endocrine cells from damage induced by alloxan injection.

T Minami1, M Shimizu, H Tanaka

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan. minamita@naramed-u.ac.jp

Toxicology
|April 13, 1999
PubMed
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Metallothionein (MT) induction in mouse pancreas by zinc does not protect endocrine cells from alloxan-induced damage. Increased zinc levels enhance MT synthesis but do not prevent pancreatic cell toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Metallothionein (MT) is a protein involved in heavy metal detoxification and cellular defense.
  • Alloxan is a diabetogenic agent that induces oxidative stress and damages pancreatic beta-cells.
  • Zinc is an essential trace element that can induce MT synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of varying zinc concentrations on metallothionein (MT) levels in the mouse pancreas.
  • To determine if MT induction by zinc protects pancreatic endocrine cells from alloxan-induced damage.
  • To assess the impact of zinc status and alloxan on pancreatic exocrine and endocrine cell function.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were administered drinking water with different zinc concentrations (0-0.5%) for 18 days.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Alloxan or vehicle was injected on day 14.
  • Pancreatic zinc and MT content were measured.
  • Plasma glucose and alpha-amylase activity were assessed.
  • Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.

    • Main Results:

    • Pancreatic zinc and MT content increased with higher zinc intake, particularly after alloxan injection.
    • Alloxan injection elevated plasma glucose levels independently of zinc status.
    • Pancreatic exocrine toxicity (increased alpha-amylase) and cell damage (degranulation, atrophy) were observed in mice with high zinc intake, especially after alloxan.
    • Metallothionein was detected in exocrine cells but not in islet cells, and did not prevent alloxan-induced endocrine cell damage.

    Conclusions:

    • Increased dietary zinc induces metallothionein synthesis in mouse pancreatic exocrine cells.
    • Metallothionein does not offer protection against alloxan-induced damage to pancreatic endocrine cells.
    • High zinc intake may exacerbate pancreatic exocrine toxicity when combined with alloxan exposure.