The effects of zinc and calcium deficiencies on the rate of bone resorption in the rat

An effect of zinc deficiency on bone resorption was assessed in rats, by measuring the rate of resorption in rapidly growing animals and a pathologically increased resorption secondary to calcium deficiency. Bone resorption was quantitated by the loss of ³H-tetracycline from previously labeled bone. There was no effect of zinc deficiency on bone resorption in either normally growing or calcium deficient animals. Calcium deficiency alleviated the effect of zinc deficiency on body weight. In calcium deficient animals, bone zinc concentration was almost double that of calcium supplemented animals, suggesting a partial substitution of zinc for calcium in bone mineral.