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Structural changes in rabbit oral epithelium caused by zinc deficiency
The Journal of Nutrition
|January 1, 1981
Summary
This study successfully induced zinc deficiency in rabbits using a specialized diet. The deficiency resulted in significant growth impairment and notable skin and oral tissue abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Animal nutrition
- Dermatology
- Oral pathology
Background:
- Zinc is an essential trace element vital for numerous physiological processes.
- Dietary zinc inadequacy can lead to various health issues and clinical manifestations.
- Establishing controlled models of nutrient deficiency is crucial for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reproducible dietary model of zinc deficiency in rabbits.
- To document the clinical and pathological effects of induced zinc deficiency.
- To investigate structural changes in oral epithelium due to zinc deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Replacing soybean protein with egg albumin in a standard rabbit diet.
- Feeding weanling New Zealand white rabbits a diet containing 1.5 microgram Zn/g.
- Observing and recording clinical signs and performing histological examinations.
Main Results:
- Zinc-deficient rabbits exhibited stunted growth and weight loss.
- Clinical signs included altered posture, partial alopecia, and skin crusting.
- Oral epithelium alterations included parakeratosis of filiform papillae on the tongue, cheek, and lip epidermis hyperplasia.
Conclusions:
- Dietary modification effectively induced zinc deficiency in rabbits.
- The induced deficiency caused characteristic growth and integumentary system changes.
- Oral epithelial changes highlight the role of zinc in maintaining tissue integrity.