Genetic differences in zinc and copper induction of liver metallothionein in inbred strains of the mouse.

Differences in Zn-induced levels of hepatic metallothionein (MT) in inbred strains of the mouse are described. Three low-producing strains, C57 BL/6, C57BL/10, and NIH, are identified, while C3H and CBA display the highest levels of hepatic MT following Zn treatment. These interstrain differences affect not only the level of MT protein, but also the amount of MT-bound Zn and the total hepatic Zn concentration. Both MT isoforms are equally affected. A similar interstrain difference following Cu treatment is present in C3H and C57BL/6. The origin of these interstrain differences is discussed.