Nutritional and physiological significance of metallothionein.

The biological function of metallothionein (MT) is still a matter of considerable conjecture. Convincing evidence has accrued that the protein can play an important role in the detoxification of certain heavy metals but a more fundamental role may be concerned with the metabolism of the essential elements zinc and copper. In addition the effects of physical and inflammatory stress and of infection on MT production imply an involvement in defence mechanisms against these conditions. MT may also act as a general detoxifying agent against certain xenobiotics.