ZINC TOXICITY WITH PANCREATIC ACINAR NECROSIS IN PIGLETS RECEIVING TOTAL PARENTERAL-NUTRITION

Two Hampshire-Duroc cross piglets maintained on 100% total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 3 weeks developed pancreatic epithelial cell necro sis, diffuse acinar atrophy, and marked interstitial fibrosis. In addi tion, the piglets had severe villus atrophy in the small intestine as a result of TPN. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis of live r samples revealed toxic hepatic zinc levels (513.5 and 491.2 ppm) in the TPN piglets (40-90 ppm in control piglets). Administering TPN bypa sses homeostatic control mechanisms regulating zinc absorption at the gastrointestinal level and may reduce pancreatic secretion contributin g to the accumulation of zinc in tissues. Intestinal villus atrophy, a sequela to TPN, may have also affected zinc excretion by impairing in testinal flux and desquamation. These factors should be considered in formulating TPN solutions and zinc levels administered must be reduced accordingly to avoid toxicity. Furthermore, sources and tissue levels of zinc should be investigated when necrosis, acinar atrophy, and fib rosis of the pancreas are encountered in young pigs.