title: Effects of zinc on bone development in mouse embryo in vitro.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, West China University of Medical Science, Chengdu 610041, China.
authors.forename: Zengli
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ai
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zheng
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: C035170:IGF2 protein, human; D011506:Proteins; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D015032:Zinc; D002118:Calcium