Accelerated apoptosis in the zinc-deficient rat

Abstract

To examine the effect of zinc (Zn) deficiency, we investigate the acceleration of apoptosis in Zn-deficient rat. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed on diets Supplemented 0 or 0.02% Zn. After 90 days from administration of the Zn diet, detection of apoptotic cells in skin, thymus and kidney was carried out using TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) method. When compared to rat on 0.02% Zn diet, the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the thymus and skin was higher in the rat on 0% Zn diet. Furthermore, TUNEL-positive cells were detected in the renal cortex on the 0% Zn diet, however, none were detected in the rat on the O. 02% Zn diet. These findings suggest that Zn deficiency may affect the cell cycle.