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Increases of Cd and the Cd: Zn ratio in the high molecular weight protein pool from apparently normal liver of tumor-bearing flounders (Parophrys vetulus)

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Abstract

It is evident from previous studies that heavy metal levels are changed in tumorbearing organisms relative to nontumor-bearing organisms, particularly in apparently normal liver tissue. This study considered the possible role of metallothioneins in binding excess Cd, Cu or Zn in the liver of tumor-bearing flounders (Parophrys vetulus). Cadmium and zinc were not increased significantly on the metallothionein peak, but were increased 3.3- and 2.4-fold, respectively, on the high molecular weight protein peak. In addition, the Cd:Zn ratio was increased by 40% on the high molecular weight protein peak. Results are discussed in terms of competition of Cd and Zn for Zn-requiring enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism. Possible reasons for excess Cd occurring on the high molecular weight protein peak rather than on the metallothionein peak are discussed. Copper levels did not change.

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  1. Institute of Oceanography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    D. A. Brown

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Communicated by T.R. Parsons, Vancouver

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Brown, D.A. Increases of Cd and the Cd: Zn ratio in the high molecular weight protein pool from apparently normal liver of tumor-bearing flounders (Parophrys vetulus). Marine Biology 44, 203–209 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387700

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