Experimental zinc deficiency in guinea-pigs: biochemical changes.
1. Zinc deficiency was produced experimentally in guinea-pigs fed on a diet containing 1.25 mg Zn/kg diet over a period of 60 d. In addition, the response of the Zn-deficient (ZnD) animals to Zn supplementation was studied for 15 d. 2. In the ZnD group a significant reduction was found in serum Zn and protein concentrations and in alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1; AP) activity from day 24 onwards. 3. Paper electrophoretic studies on serum revealed a significant decrease in relative values, as well as absolute values, of albumin and gamma-globulin and an increase in beta-globulin. 4. Albumin:globulin increased on day 24 but decreased significantly from day 48 onwards. 5. The kidney and testis of the ZnD group showed a reduction in Zn and protein contents, and AP activity. 6. Zn supplementation of the previously ZnD group resulted in marked although incomplete improvement in the biochemical indices studied.
Gupta
R P
RP
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India.
Verma
P C
PC
Gupta
R K
RK
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D004435:Eating; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000032:analysis; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism
D001798:Blood Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D012712:Serum Globulins; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D015032:Zinc