Characterization of the Endogenous Mediator(s) of Serum Zinc and Iron Depression During Infection and Other Stresses

Serum zinc and iron concentrations were shown to be decreased significantly by a common heat labile endogenous mediator present in the serum of animals within 2 hr after the administration of a variety of inflammation inducing agents. The endogenous mediator obtained from PMN leukocytes of peritoneal exudates produced significant dose-dependent reductions in both serum zinc and iron concentrations. Preliminary data characterize the mediator as a heat labile, nondialyzable, low molecular weight protein (10,000-30,000 mol wt).