Specific Induction of Metallothionein in Hairless Mouse Skin by Zinc and Dexamethasone

The stimulation of metallothionein (MT) synthesis in mouse skin after i.p. treatments with various doses of dexamethasone or zinc was demonstrated. Specific MT mRNA induction was determined by Northern analysis. Zinc was a more efficient inducer than dexamethasone. The maximal MT accumulation occurs after i.p. injections of 50–100 mg dexamethasone/kg body weight. The possible role of MT in the skin is briefly discussed.