Alteration of tissue zinc distribution and biochemical analysis of serum following pinealectomy in the rat.

Eight weeks following pinealectomy in adult male Wistar rats, zinc levels of various tissues were found to be significantly altered: zinc in thoracic aorta was significantly increased, and in serum, pituitary, adrenal, heart, lung, and body hair, it was decreased. Serum biochemical analysis indicated that there was a significant elevation of cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, sodium, urea, and creatinine in serum from pinealectomised rats. Liver, spleen, and thymus weights were lower following pinealectomy, although hearts were increased. The effects of pinealectomy on zinc levels in serum and tissues and on serum cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase may be related to its effects on vascular reactivity and liver fibrosis.