Effects of zinc deficiency on development and metabolism of the liver in rats

Rat model of zinc deficiency (ZD) was established to investigate the effects of ZD on the development and metabolism of the liver. It was found that (1) The weight, index and cell size of the liver were significantly lower in ZD group than in pair-fed (PF) group (P <0. 01 ); (2) The contents of DNA, nitrogen and protein in the liver were significantly lower in ZD group than in PF group (P<0.01). The number of the diploid hepatic cells was higher but that of tetraploid cells lower in ZD group than in PF group; (3) In the livex, the content of cAMP and cAMP/cGMP ratio were significantly higher and the content of cGMP lower in ZD group than in PF group; (4) The content of nitric oxide (NO) was significantly lower in the liver in ZD group than in PF group (P<0.01); (5) In the liver, the content of SOD was lower and that of LOP higher in ZD group than in PF group; (6) Obvious degeneration of hepatic cytoplasm was found in ZD group. Our findings suggest that adequate amount of zinc is essential for the development and metabolism of the liver and ZD can decrease cGMP content and suppress hepatocytic proliferation.