Zinc and copper concentrations in serum, blood and liver in moderate experimental pancreatic insufficiency

Serum and liver concentrations of zinc and copper were studied in the rat after ligation of the pancreatic duct. Ligation of the bile duct was done close to the duodenum and high up in the hilum of the liver. The bile flow was by-passed into the intestine via a plastic catheter. The surgical method used was found suitable for a study of moderate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency since significant--although markedly reduced--concentrations of amylase and trypsin were estimated in intestinal contents at sacrifice 19 weeks after the operation. The serum zinc level was unaffected by duct ligation except for a slight decrease after 2 weeks. Similarly zinc in whole blood was unaffected. The copper concentration in serum was, however, significantly enhanced during in first 10 weeks. The copper zinc ration was markedly increased in duct ligated rats during the whole period. Zinc and copper concentrations in liver tissue were significantly decreased after 19 weeks. The findings suggest that a decrease function of exocrine pancreas might induce a disturbed balance of zinc and copper in the rat.