Zinc distribution in the brain of Nagase analbuminemic rat and enlargement of the ventricular system

⁶⁵ZnCl₂ was intravenously injected into Nagase analbuminemic rats (NAR), which have a genetical mutation affecting albumin mRNA processing and lack serum albumin, to test the hypothesis that albumin is necessary for zinc (Zn) transport into the brain. One hour after injection, ⁶⁵Zn was largely concentrated in the choroid plexus of NAR as well as normal parental Sprague–Dawley rats (SDR). Six days after injection, in both groups, the ⁶⁵Zn concentration in the choroid plexus decreased, with increases in other brain regions. The finding that there was no significant difference in brain distribution of ⁶⁵Zn between NAR and SDR suggests that Zn transport into the brain and its distribution through the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier as well as the blood–brain barrier are not dependent on serum albumin. A most interesting observation was that the cerebral ventricles were considerably enlarged in NAR.