Abstract
Summary
Young and adult rats implanted subcutaneously with polyvinyl alcohol sponges were fed diets containing 0.5, 40 (control), and 2000 ppm zinc. Diets with low and high zinc content inhibited lysyl oxidase activity in the granuloma tissue only in young rats. The content of zinc in the serum and in the granuloma tissue followed the zinc dietary regimen only in young rats. No effect on copper content in the granuloma tissue was found. High zinc diet significantly reduced calcium content in the tissue.
Parenteral administration of small dose of zinc (0.75 mg ZnSO4/100 g/12 hr) also inhibited the activity of the enzyme in the granuloma tissue and the lung tissue without affecting the content of zinc in these structures.
Excessive supplementation of zinc (3 mg ZnO4/100 g/12 hr) appeared to be toxic and the activity of lysyl oxidase as well as rate of collagen synthesis in the granuloma tissue was significantly elevated.
We conclude that zinc supplementation in high dose to rats tends to inhibit lysyl oxidase activity in young animals. The method is, however, impractical due to the age limitation and unpredictable control of zinc content in the granuloma tissue.
The skillful technical assistance of Mrs. Linda Tillema and Mr. Ed Madrid is highly appreciated. Supported by NIH Grant AM 18706.
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