Effects of zinc on bone development in mouse embryo in vitro / 中华预防医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was designed to explore the effects of zinc on bone development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forelimbs of mice with 16 d gestation were cultured by a rotating device.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Contents of OC and (45)Ca and activities of AKP in the bone tissues cultured at zinc-deficiency media and at media with 120 micro mol/L of Zn(2+) decreased significantly. Synthesis of OC, absorption of calcium and activities of AKP in the bone tissues cultures at media with 45 and 70 micro mol/L of Zn(2+) increased significantly. Radiograph of bone tissues showed that length of long bone cultured at zinc-deficiency media and at media with 120 micro mol/L of Zn(2+) shortened and their density reduced, and those cultured at media with 45 and 70 micro mol/L of zinc increased, as compared with self-control bone. Histological analysis showed the death of bone cells and loss of stroma in the bone tissues cultured at media with 120 micro mol/L of Zn(2+), and active proliferation and differentiation of bone cells, and secretion and synthesis of osteoid increased in the bone tissues cultured at media with 45 and 70 micro mol/L of zinc.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Adequate supplementation of zinc could promote formation and development of bone tissues and deficiency or excess of zinc could alter their growth and development and normal metabolism.</p>