The relationship between the rate of chelator-induced zinc efflux from erythrocytes and zinc status

The rate of zinc (Zn) release from rat erythrocytes incubated in buffers containing a variety of chelators was measured. Only o-phenanthroline, 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonate, and EDTA caused detectable Zn release. The relationship between the rate of this release in the presence of o-phenanthroline and Zn status was determined in rats. Rats were fed one of the following: a modified AIN-76 diet providing 46 mumol (3 mg) Zn per kg of diet, a pair-fed diet providing 459 mumol (30 mg)/kg, or the previous diet fed ad lib. Animals were sacrificed at 2-wk intervals for 12 wk, and the Zn efflux rate, plasma, liver, and femur Zn concentrations were determined. The efflux rate was lower in erythrocytes taken from the rats fed the low-Zn diet. The efflux rate was also well correlated with femur Zn (r = 0.509, n = 98, p < 0.0001). A poorer correlation was observed with plasma Zn in the rats. Correlations also were determined between efflux rates and plasma Zn levels in human subjects. There was a significant correlation only in the males. In was concluded that the Zn efflux rate from erythrocytes incubated in the presence of o-phenanthroline is related to Zn status but is not sensitive enough to be a useful index of this status.