Zinc is involved in regulation of secretion from intestinal epithelium in weaned piglets

The objective was to study the effect of serosal zinc (Zn) on intestinal chloride (Cl−) secretion in vitro by the Ussing chamber technique. The secretagogues used to stimulate Cl− secretion were serotonin (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and forskolin (FSK). In addition correlations between organ and plasma Zn levels vs. the responses to 5-HT were studied. The results revealed an attenuating effect of serosal Zn on the secretory response to 5-HT, VIP and FSK. Furthermore, negative correlations between secretory responses to 5-HT vs. ADG and plasma Zn concentrations were found, whereas the responses to 5-HT did not correlate to the Zn concentration in liver or intestinal mucosa. It is suggested, that dietary Zn reduces diarrhoea directly through a regulatory role of serosal Zn on Cl− secretion and indirectly by improving the nutritional status, which may stabilize the function of the intestinal epithelium.