An in vivo study of the gastrointestinal absorption site for zinc chloride in mice.

The experimental model presented below enables quantitation of the uptake of zinc (Zn++) into gastrointestinal mucosal cells in vivo using gamma-counting of 65Zn. Experiments were performed in mice fed their normal diet under natural physiological conditions. The in vivo site(s) of significant zinc absorption may thereby be identified. Absorption of zinc was extensive during the first hour after administration of a single oral dose of ZnCl2. Apparently, absorption continued during at least eight hours postdosage, and probably continued for 48 hours. The intestinal mucosal labelling profile for zinc did not depend on dose size or the mode of administration (single oral doses or in drinking water). The duodenum and ileum were important sites for rapid zinc absorption. A continuous, slower absorption of zinc may take place in the jejunum. The stomach, caecum and colon appeared to be insignificant sites of zinc absorption. The transit time for zinc was very short as large quantities of zinc passed through the small intestine within one hour. In contrast to other studies, the intestinal labelling profile or the extent of zinc absorption were not changed in mice that received Tetraethylthiuram disulfide (TTD) in their food.