Early effects of surgery on zinc and metallothionein levels in female rats

Time-response effects of experimental surgery on zinc (Zn) and metallothion ein (MT) homeostasis were investigated in female rats up to 24 h. Hepatic Z n content increased at 20 and 24 h postsurgery, whereas serum Zn levels dec reased. Hepatic MT increased significantly by 9 h postsurgery and peaked at up to twofold of control at 12 h after surgery. Following the peak at 12 h , hepatic MT content decreased with time but did not reach control levels a t the end of this study. When MT isoforms were evaluated, MT-II levels were elevated to the highest extent by 12 h after surgery, whereas MT-I levels started to decrease after 3 h postsurgery but then increased by 20 h. The e arly increases in MT content are probably mediated by nonmetallic mediators released during the postsurgical inflammatory process, favoring the plasma /tissue mobilization of Zn. This process might be part of the overall mecha nisms occurring in the inflammation.