Toward a molecular understanding of zinc metabolism

The absorption of zinc is increased when the dietary zinc supply is low. This is caused by increased intestinal transport and reduced secretion of endogenous zinc into the intestine. Kinetic analysis of zinc transport, based on data from either the isolated perfused intestine or brush border membrane vesicles, demonstrates uptake velocity is increased homeostatically by a carrier-mediated phase of transport in response to low dietary zinc. Zinc within intestinal cells binds to high molecular weight proteins and metallothionein. Expression of the metallothionein gene is altered by zinc status and the protein appears to have a function in intestinal cells. Zinc transport across the basolateral membrane is also carrier-mediated and may be ATP-driven. Newly absorbed zinc is transported via albumin, first to the liver and then is redistributed to other tissues, particularly muscle and bone which provide the greatest reserves. Plasma zinc levels remain relatively constant except during periods of dietary zinc depletion and acute responses to stress, infection or inflammation where they are depressed. Experiments with intact rats and isolated rat liver parenchymal cells have shown that hepatic zinc turnover is rapid. Stimulation of liver cells by glucocorticoids, glucagon, epinephrine, cAMP or interleukin-1-like factors alters uptake/exchange kinetics such that there is a net accumulation of cellular zinc. Metallothionein gene expression is enhanced by these hormonal signals, and a considerable portion of the newly accumulated zinc is accounted for as that associated with this zinc-binding protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)