Studies on lead-induced zinc-thionein in adrenalectomized rats.

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Abstract
At 18 h after the sham operation or adrenalectomy in male Wistar rats, a low MW (.apprx. 1000 daltons) Zn-thionein was observed in the hepatic 105,000 g soluble fraction on a Sephadex G-75 gel filtration column. The Zn-thionein level returned nearly to the control level 5 days after both operations. In the sham-operated or adrenalectomized rats at 5 days after the operation, a single injection of lead acetate or CdCl2 at 18 h prior to sacrifice induced Zn-thionein. Zn content in the serum decreased markedly at 18 h after adrenalectomy. A single administration of Pb and Cd immediately or 4 days after the sham operation or adrenalectomy significantly reduced Zn content in the serum. Total Zn content in the liver was increased by the administration of metals when compared to that of the control. The distribution ratio of Zn content in subcellular fractions, i.e., 600 g parts/trillion, mitochondria, microsome and 105,000 g soluble fraction, was similar to that in the control and metal-treated rats. Results in adrenalectomized rats suggested that the induction mechanism of Pb-induced Zn-thionein was distinct from that of adrenal related induced metallothionein.