FROM SOIL TO BRAIN - ZINC-DEFICIENCY INCREASES THE NEUROTOXICITY OF LATHYRUS-SATIVUS AND MAY AFFECT THE SUSCEPTIBILITY FOR THE MOTORNEURONEDISEASE NEUROLATHYRISM

Zinc deficiency and oversupply of iron to the roots of grass pea (Lath yrus sativus) induce increases in the content of the neurotoxin beta-L -ODAP (3-oxalyl-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid) in the ripe seeds. The tr ansport of zinc to the shoots is enhanced by the addition of beta-L-OD AP. The neurotoxin of L. sativus is proposed to function as a carrier molecule for zinc ions. Soils, depleted in micronutrients from floodin g by monsoon rains (Indian subcontinent) or otherwise poor in availabl e zinc and with high iron content (Ethiopian vertisols), may be respon sible for higher incidence of human lathyrism, one of the oldest neuro toxic diseases known to man. A role for brain zinc deficiency in the s usceptibility for lathyrism is postulated.