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Zinc metabolism in fasted rats
K Krämer1, A Markwitan, A Menne
1Institut für Tierernährung, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Fed. Rep. of Germany.
Journal of Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Health and Disease
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Short-term starvation in rats increased liver zinc and metallothionein (MT) concentrations due to reduced liver weight, while serum zinc remained stable. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity decreased in serum and intestines but increased in kidney cortex after fasting.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Short-term starvation significantly impacts metabolic processes.
- Zinc and metallothionein (MT) play crucial roles in cellular metal homeostasis.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a key enzyme involved in various physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of short-term starvation on zinc, MT, and ALP levels in rats.
- To understand the adaptive responses of these parameters to fasting.
- To analyze tissue-specific changes in response to nutritional stress.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to varying starvation periods (0h, 12h, 24h, 36h).
- Serum and tissue samples (liver, kidney, intestinal mucosa) were analyzed for zinc and MT.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured in serum and various tissues.
Main Results:
- Fasting did not alter serum zinc but increased unsaturated serum-zinc binding capacity.
- Liver zinc and MT concentrations increased, but total liver zinc decreased due to reduced liver weight.
- Serum and intestinal ALP activity were permanently reduced, while kidney cortex ALP was induced after 36h of fasting.
Conclusions:
- Short-term starvation leads to adaptive changes in zinc and MT metabolism, primarily in the liver.
- The liver utilizes MT to sequester zinc, mitigating losses during fasting.
- Starvation differentially affects ALP activity across tissues, indicating complex physiological regulation.