ABSTRACT
This study aimed to estimate the serum level and hepatic content of zinc in experimental schistosomiasis as well as their alteration during liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy. The included animals were divided into two groups, schistosomal [40 hamsters] and non-schistosomal [33 hamsters]. The hamsters, either infested or not, were subjected to 35% partial hepatectomy [left lateral lobe hepatectomy]. Scarification of animals, collection of blood samples and regenerating liver tissue were done at two days, one, two and three weeks after hepatectomy. The serum level and hepatic content of zinc were estimated biochemically. The rate of hepatic regeneration was studied by histopathological examination and measurement of DNA content in the liver remnant. Hypozincemia with decreased hepatic zinc content was reported in schistosomal group preoperatively. Their DNA content [175.8 ug/g] had significant lower level when compared with the non-schistosomal group [335.75 ug/g]. During liver regeneration, serum zinc declined sharply; however the highest hepatic concentration and peaked DNA content were recorded in the first 48 hours following partial hepatectomy in schistosomal group. The mean liver weight reached a maximum of only 72.3% of its preoperative weight