[Macroscopic and microscopic observations of zinc distribution in hard tissues of the mouth in white rats].

The experiment was carried out on 48 adult, healthy, white rats, both sexes, Wistar breed, of medium weight of 160 g, in order to establish the distribution of zinc in hard tissues of masticatory organ. The experimental animals were given a single, constant dose of 0.2 mg of zinc in a form of intramuscular injection. The osseous tissue of maxilla, mandible and also incisors and molars were subject to micro- and macro-autoradiographic and histological examinations, after 3, 5, 10 and 40 days after the administration of zinc. The presence of zinc in examined tissues of masticatory organ in physiological conditions and its uptake, terminal accumulation and elimination in case of additional administration of zinc ions was found. The highest level of zinc was observed in the enamel of teeth.