Cytokine induction of metallothionein genes depends on zinc intake

Conference · Thu Mar 14 23:00:00 EST 1991 · FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States)

OSTI ID:5146562

Kirsten, L H; Cousins, R J ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)

The authors have shown that changes in zinc distribution following cytokine administration appear to be mediated by changes in expression of the metallothionein (MT) genes. Recently, they have investigated the interaction between zinc status and cytokine induction of the MT genes in the bone marrow, liver and kidney. Rats were fed for 15 d AIN-76a based diets modified to contain 5, 30, or 180 mg zinc/kg. These diets provide intakes which are marginally deficient, adequate, or supplemental for zinc. Rats received 5 {mu}g IL-1 or IL-6, administered ip on 15 d. Expression of MT-1 and MT-2 genes was determined after 6h by Northern Blot analysis. Induction of MTmRNA in the bone marrow was specific to IL-1, since IL-6 did not alter MTmRNA levels. Induction by IL-1 was reduced in marginally zinc deficient rats, but did not increase in response to IL-1 in the zinc supplemented group. Induction of MTmRNA in the liver and kidney by both cytokines was directly related to the level of zinc in the diet. These tissues had a stronger response to IL-6 compared to IL-1. MT-1 is the predominant isoform expressed in the bone marrow, while MT-2 is more evident in the liver and kidney. These data demonstrate differential tissue-specific expression of MT isoform genes and suggest possible functional significance.

• OSTI ID: 5146562
• Report Number(s): CONF-9104107--
• Journal Information: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States), Journal Name: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States) Vol. 5:5; ISSN FAJOE; ISSN 0892-6638
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOSYNTHESIS
BODY
BONE MARROW
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISTRIBUTION
ELEMENTS
GENE REGULATION
GENES
GLANDS
GROWTH FACTORS
HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM
INTERFERON
KIDNEYS
LIVER
LYMPHOKINES
MAMMALS
METABOLISM
METALLOPROTEINS
METALLOTHIONEIN
METALS
MITOGENS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PROTEINS
RATS
RODENTS
SYNTHESIS
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION
TISSUES
VERTEBRATES
ZINC