Role of Zinc in the Peripheral Nervous System

Abstract

Zinc deficiency causes peripheral neuropathy in guinea pigs and chicks. The pathology is exhibited grossly by abnormal locomotion, stance and hypersensitivity. In both species, the motor nerve conduction velocity is decreased and can be reversed by zinc repletion. The severity of clinical signs correlate with nerve function as measured electrophysiologically in vivo and in vitro.