Zinc-metallothionein (MT) is a low molecular weight (MW) zinc binding
protein (600-700 Dalton). MT has been proposed to participate in the transport,
accumulation, and compartmentation of zinc in the biological system. In addition to
its role as a storehouse for zinc, MT acts as a free radical scavenger and protect
against cadmium toxicity. The present work aimed to investigate the possible role of
MT in providing a myocardial protection against isoprenaline-induced myocardial
infarction (MI) and arrhythmias in rabbits. To induce myocardial MT, zinc sulfate
was injected intraperitoneally 50mg/kg for. three consecutive days. It was found that
MT protected against MI as indicated by the lower levels of creatine kinase-MB,
aspertate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrouenase enzymes. It has also potentiated
verapamil effect to protect against tachyarrhythmias. |
