Effects of Spinach Extract on Metallothionin Concentration in Mouse Tissues.

An induction of metallothionein by spinach extract was studied in mice. Among determined vegetables, the greatest effect was observed after injection of spinach extract. Injection of the extract induced metallothionein in a dose-dependent manner. Metallothionein was induced not only in the liver but in the kidney by injection of the extract. A fibrinogen level in the blood increased after injection of the extract. It indicates that cytokine may be involved in the induction of metallothionein by the spinach extract.