Binding Metal Elements in Metallothionein Fraction from Liver of Rat Injected Various Metals

Abstract

Six elements, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Se and Zn, in the metallothionein fractions from liver of rat injected various metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Se and Zn) were analyzed by neutron activation analysis and were investigated metal binding of it. The concentrations of Cd and Zn were increased by administration of Cd and those of Co and Se were also increased by administration of the each element. On the contrary, the concentration of Cd and Cu were decreased by administration of Se. It may be considered that Co and Se are attached to metallothionein, if its protein is present and the presence of Se influence the binding of Cu and Cd to metallothionein, further it also influence Cd-thionein production.