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Apometallothionein in rat liver
M Apostolova1, P R Bontchev, C Nachev
1Faculty of Biology, University of Sofia, Bulgaria.
Journal of Chromatography
|October 29, 1993
Summary
Apometallothionein (AMT) was identified in rat liver, consistently found in higher or compatible amounts than metallothionein (MT). Even with MT induction, AMT levels remained significant.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Metallothionein (MT) is a key protein in heavy metal detoxification.
- The physiological role and presence of apometallothionein (AMT), a metal-free form of MT, are less understood.
- Investigating AMT is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of cellular metal homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify apometallothionein (AMT) in rat liver.
- To compare AMT levels with metallothionein (MT) levels under normal and induced conditions.
- To elucidate the relationship between AMT and MT in vivo and in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Gel permeation chromatography followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for protein separation and identification.
- In vivo and in vitro experimental models using rats.
- Subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) to induce MT synthesis.
Main Results:
- Apometallothionein (AMT) was successfully identified and detected in rat liver using RP-HPLC.
- AMT was present in all studied rats (over 100), with levels equal to or exceeding those of metallothionein (MT).
- CdCl2-induced MT synthesis reduced AMT levels but did not eliminate it, indicating its persistent presence.
Conclusions:
- AMT is a consistently present protein in rat liver, often in higher quantities than MT.
- AMT levels are relatively stable and significant, even when MT synthesis is induced.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the functional significance of AMT in metal metabolism and detoxification.