Instrumental neutron activation analysis of trace elements in organs and tissues of zinc deficient mice

Eleven elements in ten organs and tissues of mice fed with Zn-deficient die t (Zn-def. mice) and those fed with control diet (control mice) were determ ined by INAA. Zinc concentrations in the organs of Zn-def, mice were not di stinctly lower than those of control mice except for bone and pancreas, as similar to the predecessors' reported results. However, the Co content incr eased significantly in all the organs and tissues of Zn-det mice compared w ith control mice. The organs and tissues observed were histologically norma l and no typical symptoms of Zn deficiency disease were recognised. The res ults suggest that the change of Co concentration may be regarded as a mark of the prestage for a Zn deficiency disease.