Effect of leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM) on zinc absorption in the rat.

Leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM) was shown to produce a significant increase in the intestinal absorption of zinc within 7 hr after its administration to normal rats. Consistent with earlier studies, LEM also produced a significant decrease in the plasma zinc concentration and an increased hepatic uptake of this metal which further demonstrates that LEM may be a key intermediate in altering zinc homeostasis during inflammation.