Effect of Acute Infection and Endotoxemia on Zinc Absorption in the Rat

Abstract

Intestinal zinc absorption was found to be significantly increased during acute bacterial infection and endotoxemia in the rat. Although serum zinc concentrations were depressed, there was a significant accumulation of 65Zn in the livers of the stressed animals. This study demonstrates that acute inflammation produces a redistribution of zinc within the host, which results in both increased zinc absorption and retention.