Influence of Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis on Zinc Metabolism

Abstract
The drugs actinomycin D, chloramphenicol, cordycepin and cycloheximide were evaluated for their relative effectiveness in blocking Zn binding by rat liver and mucosa following parenteral Zn. All the drugs, except chloramphenicol, were effective. The majority of the additional Zn bound following parenteral Zn was accounted for as metallothionein (MT) Zn. The inhibition of Zn binding by the drugs used was restricted to that associated with MT. The results collectively indicate that Zn uptake in liver and intestinal cells involves nonmitochondrial transcription and translation of poly(A)-containing RNA. Some of this RNA appears to code for MT.

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