Influence of zinc and calcium deficiency on the concentrations of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 in rat serum
Roth, H.P.; Kirchgessner, M.
Journal of Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Health and Disease 3(4): 225-230
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0931-2838 PMID: 2535346 Document Number: 330812
Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean body weight of 141 g in groups of 12 were fed a basal diet (zinc 63 mg/kg, calcium 8.8 g/kg), a Ca-deficient diet (Ca 0.043 g/kg), a Zn-deficient diet (Zn 1.1 mg/kg), or a diet with a combined Zn and Ca deficiency (Zn 1.1 mg/kg; Ca 0.043 g/kg); groups I to IV, respectively. All groups were fed the same quantity daily, based on the food uptake of groups III and IV. After 28 days, rats were anaesthetized with ether and sacrificed. Serum calcitonin, parathyrin, and 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol were estimated by radioimmunoassay. Serum Zn and Ca concentrations were used as indicators of Zn and Ca supply. Dietary Ca deficiency had no effect on body weight in restricted feeding. Zn deficiency reduced body weight. Alimentary Ca deficiency reduced Ca concentration of serum by 34%, calcitonin concentration by 17% and 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol concentration by 82% compared with levels in control rats, whereas concentrations of Zn and parathyrin remained unchanged. Alimentary Zn deficiency reduced Zn concentration of serum by 63% compared with controls, whereas concentrations of 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol and parathyrin were increased. In the case of Zn deficiency, calcitonin concentration was unchanged compared with controls but was increased when compared with groups with Ca deficiency. Simultaneous Zn/Ca deficiency significantly increased Zn or Ca concentrations in serum compared with groups with isolated Zn or Ca deficiency. In simultaneous Zn and Ca deficiency, concentrations of 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol and calcitonin in serum were reduced compared with controls. The concentration of parathyrin was not altered significantly.