Metabolism of Zinc-65 in Man

In view of the importance of zinc in many enzyme systems, and of the fact that zinc is an essential trace element in the human body, a study of the excretion, retention, and tissue distribution of Zn65 in man was performed. Zinc-65 is also a neutron-induced radionuclide and is, therefore, potentially an internal radiation hazard. The dose from Zn65 is a function of the y-particle distribution and turnover in the body. The tissue distribution and excretion of Zn65 have been investigated in animals (1, 2), and more recently these studies have been extended to man (3, 4). In the present investigation the blood levels, excretions, and tissue distribution of Zn65 in man were also related to the retention of Zn65 in the body as determined by the whole-body counting technique.