[Manganese and zinc absorption in juvenile, sexually mature and pregnant animals].

The content of manganese and zinc was determined in samples of various portions of the intestinal tract, some other viscera, and the endocrinal glands of infantile, mature, and pregnant animals, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that the absorption capacity of the individual tissues and organs with regard to Mn and Zn was varying. Of the intestinal organs the duodenum was characterized by highest Mn absorption, and of the viscera investigated the liver was shown to have the highest content of Mn and Zn. So far as the endocrinal glands were concerned the adrenals were richest in Mn, and the testes - in Zn, followed by the pancreas and the thymus. However, compared to the epididymis the testes contained more Zn and less Mn. The uterus was poorer in these microelements than the ovaries. In the course of pregnancy the absorption of Mn and Zn by the tissues and organs rose.