SVIBOR - Project code: 3-01-514

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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Project code: 3-01-514


THE ROLE OF ZINC IONS IN COMPENSATORY LIVER GROWTH AND IMMUNOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS


Main researcher: MILIN-KNAFEL, ČEDOMILA (70123)


Assistants
Type of research: basic
Duration from: 06/01/93. to 06/01/95.
Papers on project (total): 30
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 4
Institution name: Medicinski fakultet, Rijeka (62)
Department/Institute: Department of chemistry and biochemistry
Address: B.Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka
City: 51000 - Rijeka, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0)51 227 076
Fax: 385 (0)51 51 49 15
E-mail: Cedomila.Milinƒmamed.medri.hr
Summary: In an adult liver, cells possess a large latent growth potential. That is best expressed on the rodent model, after a partial hepatectomy. Compensatory liver growth is characteristic for the synthesis of new proteins. Although less exploited, Zn-binding protein is particularly interesting;its appearance in the cells of a compensatory growing liver is followed by a synchronic increase of the zinc concentration. The role and indispensability of zinc ions in processes of activation of some enzymes are well known. Zinc ions are also important in the insulin and porphyrin metabolism. Addition of the zinc or its salts to limphocyte cell cultures leads to the polyclonal activation of lymphocytes. A rodent model has been used to prove that even a short nutrification period with insufficient zinc amounts leads to the atrophy of the thymus, lymphopenia and disturbances in relation between singular subclasses of lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes.These changes resulted in a considerably decreased antibody response of the T- cells dependent and T- cells independent antigen. The activity of cytolytic T- cells and NK ("natural killer") cells was also decreased. The available data suggest that zinc ions take participate in the control of immunological system of the organism. Because of the participation of the limphatic system in a compensatory liver growth control, it is possible that zinc ions indirectly regulate this process, too.

Keywords: partial hepatectomy, compensatory liver growth, regeneratory liver, Zn-binding protein, zinc, immunological reasponse, lymphatic system, lymphocytes.

Research goals: The research that we are proposing should confirm: (1) a potential role of zinc ions in regenerative processes ofliver and kidney. (2) intrrelationship between zinc ions and the immunological response of both: humoral and cellular type. (3) a potential influence of zinc ions on interreactions between trophic and immunologic functions of the limphatic system. For that purpose we will determine: 1. The concentration of zinc ions in: a) intact liver tissue b) regenerative liver tissue after a partial hepatectomy (pHx) c) the serum of experimental animals. 2. The concentration of zinc ions in the lymphatic organs during humoral and cellular type of immunity in animals sensibilized with sheep's erythrocytes or paternal(semiallogenic) splenocytes. The research is planned for the period of two years.After that,we intend to extend it on the isolation, purification andcharacterisation of the substances involved in the control ofcompensatory liver growth, if we get the needed equipment.

COOPERATION - PROJECTS


  1. Name of project: 3-01-168 Međuodnosi između neuroendokrinog i limgatičkog sustava
    Name of institution: Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci,Zavod za fiziologiju i imunologiju
    City: 51000 - Rijeka, Croatia

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: INA Rafinerija nafte Rijeka
    Type of institution: State institute
    City: 51000 - Rijeka, Croatia

  2. Name of institution: "PLIVA" Zagreb
    Type of institution: State institute
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
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Last update: 10/18/95
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