Transport of Electrolytes, Water, and Glucose in Zinc Deficiency

Abstract

Zn deficiency in humans and animals results in failure to thrive, skin lesions, loss of hair and diarrhea. The mechanism underlying the diarrhea seen in Zn deficiency is not known. The current study was designed to investigate net transport of water, electrolytes and glucose from segments of small and large intestine in Zn-deficient, pair-fed control, and ad libitum-fed rats. An in vivo single-pass perfusion study was used. Net water and Na transport from the small and large intestine of Zn- deficient rats was significantly decreased compared to corresponding mean values for pair-fed controls and ad libitum-fed rats. Net absorption of glucose and net secretion of K were not significantly different in the 3 groups. The results are in agreement with previous investigations showing decreased Na transport in leukocytes and renal tubules of Zn-deficient animals and suggest that Zn may have a role in modulating membrane permeability.