Collagen synthesis in connective tissue of wounded rat mesentery: effect of dietary zinc deficiency.

The effect of dietary zinc deficiency of two weeks duration on the synthesis of collagen and of other proteins in wounded rat mesentery was investigated 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after operation. Collagen synthesis was maximal on postoperative day 5. There were no significant differences between zinc-deficient and pair-fed control rats at any time in either collagen synthesis or that of other protein. On the contrary, zinc-deficient rats tended to synthesise more protein than control rats. Collagen concentration (measured as hydroxyproline) in scar tissue on day 10 did not differ between zinc-deficient and control rats. In summary, the earlier reported decreased collagen/protein synthesis associated with zinc deficiency seems to be region dependent.