Effects of zinc on bone development in mouse embryo in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to explore the effects of zinc on bone development.


METHODS
Forelimbs of mice with 16 d gestation were cultured by a rotating device.


RESULTS
Contents of OC and (45)Ca and activities of AKP in the bone tissues cultured at zinc-deficiency media and at media with 120 micro mol/L of Zn(2+) decreased significantly. Synthesis of OC, absorption of calcium and activities of AKP in the bone tissues cultures at media with 45 and 70 micro mol/L of Zn(2+) increased significantly. Radiograph of bone tissues showed that length of long bone cultured at zinc-deficiency media and at media with 120 micro mol/L of Zn(2+) shortened and their density reduced, and those cultured at media with 45 and 70 micro mol/L of zinc increased, as compared with self-control bone. Histological analysis showed the death of bone cells and loss of stroma in the bone tissues cultured at media with 120 micro mol/L of Zn(2+), and active proliferation and differentiation of bone cells, and secretion and synthesis of osteoid increased in the bone tissues cultured at media with 45 and 70 micro mol/L of zinc.


CONCLUSIONS
Adequate supplementation of zinc could promote formation and development of bone tissues and deficiency or excess of zinc could alter their growth and development and normal metabolism.
Yu
Zengli
Z
School of Public Health, West China University of Medical Science, Chengdu 610041, China.
Li
Yun
Y
Zheng
Ai
A
D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D001846:Bone Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005121:Extremities / Q000196:embryology; D005260:Female; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology*
C035170:IGF2 protein, human; D011506:Proteins; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D015032:Zinc; D002118:Calcium