Zinc homeostasis and functions of zinc in the brain

The brain barrier system, i.e., the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal flu id barriers, is important for zinc homeostasis in the brain. Zinc is suppli ed to the brain via both barriers. A large portion of zinc serves as zinc m etalloproteins in neurons and glial cells. Approximately 10% of the total z inc in the brain, probably ionic zinc, exists in the synaptic vesicles, and may serve as an endogenous neuromodulator in synaptic neurotransmission. T he turnover of zinc in the brain is much slower than in peripheral tissues such as the liver. However, dietary zinc deprivation affects zinc homeostas is in the brain. Vesicular zinc-enriched regions, e.g., the hippocampus, ar e responsive to dietary zinc deprivation, which causes brain dysfunctions s uch as learning impairment and olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory recognition is reversibly disturbed by the chelation of zinc released from amygdalar n euron terminals. On the other hand, the susceptibility to epileptic seizure s, which may decrease vesicular zinc, is also enhanced by zinc deficiency. Therefore, zinc homeostasis in the brain is closely related to neuronal act ivity. Even in adult animals and probably adult humans, adequate zinc suppl y is important for brain functions and prevention of neurological diseases.