The role of metallothionein on excess zinc metabolism in mouse.

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Abstract
The role of metallothionein (MT) in the metabolism of excess Zn was studied in mice. Six hours after the combined use of cycloheximide (0-150 mg/kg, i.p.) and Zn (50 mg/kg, s.c.) the concentrations of MT in the liver, kidney, small intestine and pancreas induced by Zn decreased with increased amounts of cycloheximide administered. In the liver and small intestine, a strong positive correlation was detected between MT and Zn concentrations. Six hours after the combined use of cycloheximide (0-200 mg/kg, i.p.) and Zn (50 mg/kg, s.c.), a weak negative correlation was found (P < 0.05) between MT and Zn concentrations in the liver and Zn concentration in the plasma. The concentrations of MT and Zn in the organs 2, 4 and 5 days after the administration of Zn (20 mg/kg, s.c.) were measured and a strong positive correlation (P < 0.01) was detected between both concentrations in the liver, kidney and small intestine. MT took part in the metabolism of Zn in vivo.