Thermal injury and changes in the trace elements

Thermal injury interferes with the biophysiology of the cell. It affects the cellular and histological architecture and often leads to histopathological and biochemical changes. In this study thermal injury also is shown to change trace element levels in the serum of rabbits after they were subjected to a 11 × 5 cm burn on the ventral surface of the trunk. The lowest serum zinc (Zn) level in the animals was noted 24 hr postburn. Levels then gradually increased, approaching normal values by the 4th day. The lowest serum copper (Cu) levels were observed at 4 hr postburn, increasing to surpass normal values by the 24th hr. Serum selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn) levels were found to be low throughout the postburn period of the experiment. The role of trace elements in the maintenance of normal cell growth and function is well documented. Trauma such as burn can interfere with the regulatory mechanisms of trace elements and change their levels. The normalization of these levels is essential for the healing process. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 13:255–264, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.