Wound fluid and plasma zinc levels in rats during tissue repair: Sequential determination using surgically implanted stainless steel wound cylinders

Data are presented gathered from a group of Holtzman rats with implanted wound cylinders. Sequential determinations of zinc level of both plasma and wound fluid are indicative of an early mobilization and transport of zinc to the wound site which is transitory and returns to relatively normal levels in a week to ten days. This early mobilization of zinc and transport to areas of need appears to be a systemically integrated body response to increased metabolic activity at the wound site requiring increased enzymatic activity at that location. Response of the body to the need for increased zinc levels caused by increased metabolic activity has been demonstrated in a group of men who immediately after exercise showed an increase of zinc levels of 50 to 200 per cent in their circulating venous plasma. It is not our intention in this communication to unequivocally state that zinc should be part of a therapeutic wound-healing regimen in all cases. Since it has been reported that there is a total body loss of zinc after trauma, the addition of zinc to a therapeutic regimen is worthy of further consideration and controlled investigation [ 11].