Histochemical demonstration of heavy metals in mouse skin.

The localization of heavy metals in normal mouse skin was investigated light microscopically using the Neo-Timm staining method. Positive staining was found in the horny layer of epidermis, connective tissue of dermis and in hair roots. Chelation of heavy metals by pretreatment with diethyldithiocarbamate prevented this staining. The study demonstrates that heavy metals, mainly zinc, are localized in the mouse skin and that the Neo-Timm staining method is useful for the investigation of the role of zinc in this organ.