Function of Trace Metal in Experimental Fulminant Hepatic Failure : Special Reference to Variation in Zinc Content in Liver

The authors prepared D-galactosamine (Gal) hepatic failure rats and hepatic failure dogs induced by hepatic ischemia and studied the correlation between the progress of hepatic failure and amount of trace metal in liver measured of the rats and dogs.

After Gal was given, the rats rapidly fell into hepatic failure condition. They were sacrificed with the lapse of time and their zinc (Zn) content in liver was measured, which showed a decrease in relation to hepatic injury reaching a minimum of 67. 2 ± 3. 8 μg/g dry weight (that of control group: 149. 1 ± 23. 4, p<0. 05) 48 hr later. The hepatic failure dogs induced by hepatic ischemia also fell into hepatic failure after hepatic ischemia and died 17.5-112 hr (average 57.1 ± 38. 2) later. Positive correlation between the Zn. content in liver immediately after death and the survival time (r= 0. 653, p<0. 01).

As a result, it is suggested that the Zn content in liver can be used as an index to the degree of hepatocyte injury and prognosis of hepatic failure.