Blood Copper Concentrations Research Articles

Plasma copper concentrations in pathological pregnancies

Copper is an essential element required for the formation of many enzymes with important roles in the human body. During pregnancy, the maternal serum copper concentration is increased due to the higher levels of ceruloplasmin that are the result of elevated oestrogen levels. The aim of this work was to investigate maternal plasma copper concentrations in relation to various pathological conditions during pregnancy. A total of 319 maternal plasma samples were analysed: 103 taken from women in the first trimester, 73 in the second trimester, 99 in the third trimester of pregnancy and 44 at delivery. The plasma concentration of copper during each trimester of normal pregnancy was taken as a reference value. Group comparisons performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett test indicated substantially lower plasma concentrations of copper in pathological conditions diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy (spontaneous abortion, threatened abortion, missed abortion and blighted ovum). No significant differences in maternal plasma blood copper concentrations were found in pathological conditions (threatened abortion, threatened preterm delivery and pyelonephritis) diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy. Significant differences in plasma copper concentrations were found in the third trimester, for which finding the Dunnett test indicated the cholestasis group to be responsible. Except for twin pregnancy, a tendency to higher plasma copper concentrations, however not statistically significant, was observed in other pathological conditions during the third trimester (gestosis, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour).

Lowered blood copper and cobalt contents in goats reared around lead–zinc smelter

Primary pollution from lead–zinc smelters has been implicated in the contamination of forages and signs of lead toxicosis and elevated blood lead levels have been reported in cattle from areas around such industrial units. Lead has deleterious health effects on the gastrointestinal, renal, nervous and hemopoeitic systems. In the present study, 15 blood samples were collected from goats of various age groups reared around a lead–zinc smelter to assess the lead burden and status of the micronutrients copper, cobalt, zinc and iron in the blood. Six blood samples were also collected from goats reared in areas where chances of lead contamination of soil, water and fodder do not exist, to serve as controls. The mean blood lead level in goats around the smelter (0.316 ± 0.040 μg/ml) was many fold higher than the control animals (0.015 ± 0.015 μg/ml) and the goats of all the age groups that is from 1 to 1.5 years (0.373 ± 0.093 μg/ml), 1.5–2 years (0.380 ± 0.144 μg/ml) and above 2 years (0.333 ± 0.062 μg/ml) had significantly higher blood lead levels than animals from the unpolluted area. There was significant ( P < 0.05) reduction in blood copper and cobalt levels in animals from the contaminated area without any significant effect on blood zinc and iron concentrations. Pooling all the values of the 21 goats to study the effect of lead concentration on blood copper and cobalt revealed negative correlations of −0.530 ( P < 0.05) between lead and copper and −0.559 ( P < 0.01) between blood lead and cobalt. It is concluded from the study that goats reared around a primary lead–zinc smelter had higher blood lead levels that also affected blood copper and cobalt concentrations in a dose-dependent manner.

Copper and zinc concentrations in blood of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Copper and zinc concentrations in blood of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

An evaluation of the effect of clotting and processing of blood samples on the recovery of copper from bovine blood

The reference ranges for blood copper (Cu) concentration used by SAC and the UK Veterinary Laboratories Agency have been developed for use with plasma only. Copper sequestration into the clot, primarily in the form of caeruloplasmin, means that serum Cu concentrations are significantly lower than plasma Cu concentrations in the same animals. Serum Cu is commonly used as a surrogate for plasma Cu by applying a proportional conversion factor. However the results of these two studies, which involved a total of 104 pairs of serum and Cu samples from 84 Holstein cattle in one herd, suggest that serum Cu concentrations should not be used in this way. First, the reduction in Cu concentration during clotting was unrelated to initial plasma concentration (varying from 8–59%), which suggests that using a proportional conversion factor is incorrect. Secondly, the correlation between plasma and serum Cu concentration, while significant, was relatively low ( r 2 ∝ 0.6), with the individual variation in Cu loss during clotting ranging from 1.5 to 10.8 μmol/L (mean 4.9 μmol/L). Although this study was undertaken using samples from normocupraemic lactating Holstein cattle in one herd, the data strongly suggest that plasma rather than serum Cu should be used to estimate Cu status unless the laboratory used has developed a reliable serum reference range. We also found that factors other than plasma Cu concentration had a significant effect on loss of Cu during the clotting process. However, no significant effect on the loss of Cu during clotting or by varying the incubation/storage time and temperature of bloods prior to clot removal was noted, nor was there any significant effect of age or Cu intake. Furthermore, when the loss of Cu during clotting was examined in the same heifers at two different timepoints, no correlation between the results was found. Further research is required to establish the factors that affect the loss of Cu during clotting.

Lead poisoning combined with cadmium in sheep and horses in the vicinity of non-ferrous metal smelters

The diagnosis of lead poisoning combined with cadmium in sheep and horses living on farmland in the vicinity of non-ferrous metal smelters in Baiyin of Gansu province in China was based on laboratory findings as well as clinical signs. The concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in soils, water, forages, feed and blood, hair and tissues of affected sheep and horses were determined in the surroundings of the smelters in Baiyin and controls. Haematological values were also measured. The concentrations of these elements in soils, forages, water and feed were significantly higher than those in the control area ( P<0.01). The contents of lead and cadmium were 9.3 and 690 times in forages, respectively, 10 and 35.6 times in feed. The concentrations of lead and cadmium in blood, hair and tissues of the affected sheep and horses were significantly higher than reference values and control animals ( P<0.01). The occurrence of anaemia in affected animals belonged to a hypochromic and microcytic pattern. Lead and cadmium intake levels, estimated according to the ingestion rates of forages, illustrates that the apported lead and cadmium through the ingestion of vegetation growing in the closest sites to the smelters were approximately 6.0 mg Pb/kg body wt./day and 1.1 mg Cd/kg body wt./day in horses, 21.4 mg Pb/kg body wt./day and 4.0 mg Cd/kg body wt./day in sheep, surpassing the fatal dosages for horses of 1.7 mg Pb/kg body wt./day and for sheep of 4.4 mg Pb/kg body wt./day and 1.0 mg Cd/kg body wt./day. It is, therefore, suggested that the disease of sheep and horses in this region is caused by lead poisoning combined with cadmium, mainly due to environment heavy metal pollution by industrial activity. Meanwhile, as such levels of contamination in animal food and grain pose a significant potential risk to human health, these results have formed the basis for subsequent research on levels of metal contamination in human tissues from affected populations. Thus, it can be seen that knowledge of lead and cadmium concentrations in livestock in this region is important for assessing the effects of pollutants on domestic animals themselves and contaminant intakes by humans.

Thiomolybdate – The Major Factor on Clinical Copper Deficiency

respectively. Feed samples were analysed for minerals Mo, Fe, S and Cu content by Inductive coupled plasma (ICP). Changes in liver and blood copper concentration and in the copper-containing enzymes; caeruloplasmin (CP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were monitored by standard methods described by Mackenzie et al, (1997). Statistical analysis of the results was carried out using student T test and analysis of variance (one way). The results showed that the occurrence of Cu deficiency depends not only on the low content of this metal in an animals diet, but also on the presence of interacting other minerals, especially molybdenum, sulphur and iron. Although the blood copper and liver copper concentration decreased in all sheep fed a low copper diet no clinical signs of deficiency were observed over 17 week period. The response of the animals to the dietary alteration depends on the liver copper concentration and breed. The black Hebridean Sheep were more susceptible than Suffolk sheep showing clinical copper deficiency. The mean overall balance results for the black and white sheep were -0.063 and +0.013 mg Cu/day respectively over this 17 weeks depletion period. The values of total plasma copper and TCA soluble copper plasma and copper related enzymes (SOD, CP) are shown in figures. The plasma copper levels for the white sheep during the initial depletion period ranged from 10.8 to 17.8 µmol/ and for the black sheep were lower with the range being 6 - 14 mmol/l. There were no significant differences between the copper plasma and TCA soluble copper plasma during this phase of the experiment. However the addition of molybdenum (5mg / kg DM), iron (600mg/kgDM) and sulphur (3g /kg dm) to this diet after 2-5 weeks did produce clinical copper deficiency with dipigmentation of wool and poorer crimp being observed. In third phase of the experiment when the diet was further modified by the removal of the molybdenum but still with 600 mg/kg DM iron and 3-g/kg DM sulphur, there was a decrease in blood copper but no clinical symptoms were observed. This is in agreement with Humphries et al. (1983), Bremner et al. (1987) and SUTTLE (1991) who showed that iron can act as a potent antagonist of copper and can also severely reduce the concentrations of copper without producing clinical symptoms of copper deficiency.

The Effect of Cosecure® Supplementation on the Copper Status and Fertility of Grazing Holstein – Friesian Dairy Cattle

There are several studies concerning the relationship between copper status and the amount of molybdenum, sulphur in the diet ( Phillippo et al. 1987; Bremner et al. 1987; Hurley and Doane,1989; Moeini et al.1997; Mackenzi et al. 1998).These studies attempted to explore how copper deficiency influences the reproductive performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of copper supplementation by means of a slow release soluble glass bolus (Cosecure) on the trace elements status and fertility of dairy cattle. Seventeen cows were bolused with two Cosecure boluses (Telsol Ltd.) while the remaining fifteen cows were unbolused (Control). The cattle were grazed at pasture, which has been shown to have high level of molybdenum (2.6 -3.2 mg/kgDM). Blood samples were taken monthly (for six months) to measure trace element status and detailed records of fertility were also maintained. Herbage samples were obtained throughout the grazing period and analysed for mineral Mo, Fe, S and Cu content by Inductive coupled plasma (ICP) and atomic absorption (AA) after wet digestion with nitric acid MAFF(1986). Trace element status was determined by the methods outlined by Mackenzie et al.(1996). Statistical analysis of the results was carried out using student T test and analysis of variance (GLM). The result showed that although in the cows given copper supplementation, the blood copper concentrations increased in comparison to the control groups but all the cows were in the normal range (>12 μmol/l). The blood copper concentrations were lower in both groups at grazing time with marked differences between plasma copper and TCA copper plasma indicating the extent of copper thiomolybdate production. Although the plasma copper, caeruloplasmin and super oxide dismutase activities were higher in treated cows until day 100, and bolused cows had significantly greater plasma copper on day 30 and 60 (p 2 g/kgDM) occurring during grazing time affects the animal copper status and reduces copper availability through the production of thiomolybdate in the body. The effect of Cosecure was likely to be due to the slow release of copper to stop thiomolybdate toxicity.

Blood copper concentrations and cuproenzyme activities in a colony of cats.

There is little published information on plasma copper and whole blood copper concentrations in cats, and except for extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC SOD), we are unaware of published values for cat cuproenzyme activities. In this study we determined plasma and whole blood copper concentrations, plasma ceruloplasmin (CP), EC SOD and diamine oxidase (DAO) activities, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (RBC SOD) activity in a specific pathogen-free colony of cats. Results were evaluated for differences based on age and sex. Blood was obtained from 20 adult cats (10 males, 10 females; >1 year of age) and 20 immature cats (10 males, 10 females; <1 year of age). Copper concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. EC SOD and RBC SOD activities were determined using the pyrogallol oxidation method, and CP activity was determined by the oxidation of 0 dianisidine dihydrochloride. DAO activity was measured using a colorimetric assay. Differences among groups were analyzed using ANOVA. There were significant differences in mean plasma copper concentration, and CP and DAO activities (P=.001,.0001, and.02, respectively) among the 4 groups of cats. No age differences were identified. Male cats had significantly greater mean (+/- SEM) plasma copper (15.4 +/- 0.9 micromol/L versus 11.3 +/- 0.6 micromol/L; P =.001) concentrations, and CP (66.8 +/- 2.9 U/L versus 39.7 +/- 2.1 U/L; P=.0001) and DAO (6.68 +/- 0.16 U/L versus 6.15 +/- 0.1 U/L; P =.03) activities compared with female cats. Males had significantly greater whole blood copper concentrations (16.16 +/- 0.55 micromol/L versus 13.36 +/- 0.52 micromol/L; P =.002) than female cats. Differences exist between male and female cats with respect to blood copper concentrations, and CP and DAO activities.

Trace elements analysis of ascitic fluid in benign and malignant diseases

Objectives: To evaluate differences in ascitic fluid trace element concentrations which might be useful in discrimination between benign and malignant ascites. Design and Methods: The concentrations of copper, zinc, magnesium and iron in ascitic fluid and venous blood in 17 patients were investigated. The relationship between these trace elements and type of disease were examined. Investigations were carried out in a group of 5 males and 5 females aged 54 to 77 yr who had cirrhosis ascites and in a group of 7 females aged 41 to 76 yr with ascites due to gynecologic neoplasms. Results: The mean ascitic fluid and serum concentrations of copper were significantly higher in neoplastic diseases compared to benign disease states (118,43 vs. 97,50, 91,14 vs. 26.90) ( p < 0,05 and p < 0,01 respectively). The zinc levels in ascitic fluid and serum were significantly different between the groups ( p < 0,01). Neoplastic patients had significantly higher ascitic fluid magnesium levels than the benign disease group (2,17 vs. 1,55, p < 0,001). The serum levels of iron were significantly lower in the neoplastic diseases group (92, 28 vs. 255, p < 0, 01). In benign diseases the concentration of zinc in ascitic fluid correlated positively with ascitic fluid copper concentrations. The concentrations of zinc and iron in malignant ascites correlate positively with the magnesium concentrations. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between ascites zinc and magnesium and magnesium and copper in cirrhotic patients and magnesium and copper in malignant diseases. Conclusions: The results showed that zinc, magnesium and iron levels were significantly different between cirrhotic and neoplastic illness. Analysis of serum and ascitic fluid trace element composition may be helpful in identifying and distinguishing the malignant and nonmalignant ascites and provides useful information on processes regulating passage of blood components into the peritoneal cavity.

Blood concentrations of selenium, zinc, iron, copper and calcium in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

We used an atomic absorption spectrophotometric method to determine the concentration of selenium, zinc, iron, copper and calcium in the whole blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The results demonstrate that these patients have a lower concentration of selenium (0.18 +/- 0.02 microg/ml vs. 0.28 +/- 0.06 microg/ml) and zinc (11.2 +/- 2.75 microg/ml vs. 18.2 +/- 7.33 microg/ml) than healthy controls (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the hepatocellular carcinoma patients have higher mean concentrations of iron (651.9+/-66.2 microg/ml vs.473.0 +/- 88.0 microg/ml; p < 0.05), copper (1.43 +/- 0.33 microg/ml vs. 0.95 +/- 0.19 microg/ml; p < 0.05) and calcium (75.0 +/- 13.1 microg/ml vs. 39.9 +/- 12.3 microg/ml; p < 0.01) than healthy controls. Thus, hepatocellular carcinoma seems to be associated with the changes in the whole blood concentrations of selenium, zinc, iron, copper and calcium.

Copper responsive infertility in British cattle: the use of a blood caeruloplasmin to copper ratio in determining a requirement for copper supplementation

AbstractSigns of clinical copper deficiency in ruminant animals include infertility. Blood copper concentrations alone are not an adequate indicator of copper status, as they take no account of the thiomolybdate challenge to the animal. The use of the ratio of caeruloplasmin activity to plasma copper concentration should provide a better indicator of molybdenum induced copper problems. The objectives of this study were to obtain veterinary feedback on the University of Leeds Trace Element Laboratory's (ULTEL) assessment of copper status and responses to any recommended supplementation. Blood samples from 713 female cattle from 114 herds were assessed for copper status, including plasma copper concentrations, serum caeruloplasmin activities and the ratio between the caeruloplasmin and plasma copper (CP/PlCu ratio). On the basis of only plasma copper analysis 95.0 % of the cattle were classified as being of normal copper status using Veterinary Laboratory Agency reference ranges. However, when the CP/PlCu ratio was also considered only 35.6 % of the cattle would be classed as having normal copper status. Appropriate copper supplementation would be required by 30.7 % of the cattle and a further 27.8 % could also benefit from additional copper. Veterinary responses to a questionnaire (80 % returned) indicated that infertility was a major problem in their clients’ herds. Where copper supplementation was recommended and administered an increase infertility was observed. In herds showing poor or lack ofoestrous behaviour/ later embryo loss (signs of clinical copper deficiency), 91.7 % reported that these signs were reduced by copper supplementation. The relevance of the CP/PlCu ratio as a diagnostic aid in the identification of copper responsive infertility has been supported by the responses of the veterinary surgeons.

Zinc, Copper and Cobalt Concentrations in Blood During Inflammation of the Mammary Gland in Dairy Cows

Zinc, Copper and Cobalt Concentrations in Blood During Inflammation of the Mammary Gland in Dairy Cows

The impact of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in blood and seminal plasma on semen parameters in men

To investigate the impact of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in blood and seminal plasma on semen parameters, 107 fertile and 103 subfertile males provided a standardized blood and semen specimen. Total calcium and magnesium concentrations were determined with colorimetric end point assay procedures. Zinc and copper were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines (1992). The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in blood and seminal plasma were not different between the subfertile and fertile group. Weak correlations were demonstrated between blood plasma zinc concentrations and sperm count (r s = 0.18), sperm motility (r s = 0.15), and abnormal sperm morphology (r s = 0.13). Zinc and magnesium concentrations in seminal plasma correlated weakly with sperm count (r s = 0.17 and r s = 0.16, respectively), and copper concentrations in blood plasma with motility (r s = 0.25). Strong correlations were found between calcium, magnesium, and zinc in seminal plasma. Although calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper play an essential role in spermatogenesis and fertility, the determination of these elements in blood and seminal plasma does not discriminate on the basis of fertility in this group of men.

Effect of tea decoction given to rats ad libitum for a relatively long time on body weight gains and iron, copper, zinc, magnesium concentrations in blood, liver, duodenum and spleen.

The aim of our study was to examine the influence of tea decoction given ad libitum for 15 days on body weight gains and on nonheme iron, copper, zinc and magnesium concentrations in the blood from a semisynthetic diet provided to healthy rats. We have also evaluated the reserves of these essential minerals in the liver, duodenum and spleen. Our findings indicate that the tea decoction significantly reduced the total body weight growth in the tea group as compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). The total body weight gains for the control and tea groups were 13.2 and 2.4%, respectively. On the other hand, our data show that the tea decoction significantly reduced nonheme iron concentration in the total blood by 31.8% (p < 0.001). Similarly, the reserve of iron stored in the liver and the duodenum declined more significantly by 57% (p < 1.10(-7) and 50.5% (p < 1.10(-6)). respectively. In contrast to the inhibitory effect on iron concentration and its stored reserve, tea decoction significantly increased zinc, copper and magnesium concentrations in the total blood. Zinc, copper and magnesium concentrations increased by 29.4 (p < 0.05), 69.0 (p < 0.001) and 48.7% (p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, tea decoction treatment did not raise the reserve of zinc or copper significantly but it increased the reserve of magnesium stored in the liver (p < 0.05).

Determination of copper, lead and cadmium in whole blood by stripping voltammetry with the use of graphite electrodes

The problem with toxic metal ion determination in blood is the adsorption of organic compounds on the electrode surface and the formation of complexes between metal ions and organic constituents of blood. This is the reason why usually preliminary acid digestion or other sample pretreatment is used. Two kinds of electrodes have been used: “Ultra-Trace Electrode”, made from impregnated graphite (I), and thick film graphite disposable electrodes (II). The analysis of whole blood with different sample preparation methods shows, that chemical digestion is not necessary for the analysis. Electrochemical two-stage sample preparation provides the possibility for analysing whole blood with the mentioned electrodes. Thick film disposable electrodes are less sensitive to the interference of organic constituents of blood. These electrodes give the possibility to determine total cadmium, lead and copper concentration in whole blood without special sample pretreatment. The application of “Ultra-Trace Electrode” for blood analysis is possible only after preliminary pretreatment of blood by chemical digestion or electrochemical sample preparation.

Cervical and thoracic vertebral malformation ("weak neck") in Colombia lambs.

The purpose of this study is to describe a developmental defect of the caudal cervical and cranial thoracic vertebrae in 11 purebred Colombia lambs. The lambs were either affected at birth, or developed the condition within the first 18 days of age. Cervicothoracic kyphosis, with a compensatory cervical lordosis and ataxia were common; 8 lambs had abnormal head posture, characterized by inability to lift the head from the ground. One lamb had rigid head and neck, and had to move the entire body to look to the left or right. Neurological signs included ataxia, tetraparesis, diminished conscious proprioception, and increased patellar and triceps reflexes. One lamb had inspiratory stridor because of compression of the trachea in the area overlying the abnormal vertebrae (cervical vertebrae 6 [C6] and 7 [C7]). Radiographic and pathological abnormalities included malalignment and malarticulation of the caudal cervical and cranial thoracic spine, rounded cranioventral margins in the bodies of vertebrae C7 and T1, wedging of the intervertebral disc spaces between C6 and T1 vertebrae, and hypoplasia of the dens. Pathological changes in the soft tissues included hypoplasia of the cervical epaxial and hypaxial musculature, with associated focal areas of myodegeneration. Mild Wallerian axonal degeneration, compatible with a mild cord compression syndrome, was found in 3 lambs in the cervicothoracic spinal cord adjacent to the vertebral anomalies. The concentrations of copper and selenium in blood, plasma, or tissues were normal in 10 of 11 lambs. All but one of the lambs in which pedigree information was provided were genetically related. Siblings born as twins to 5 of the affected lambs were normal, but both lambs from one twin pregnancy were affected. Owners reported that breeding stock had been shared among the ranches. Because of the close familial relationships of the affected lambs, the condition is suspected to have a hereditary basis.

Copper status of mice fed hydrogenated vegetable oil, cocoa butter, fresh and cured pork from high and low nitrate/nitrite containing diets

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of hydrogenated vegetable oil, cocoa butter, fresh and cured pork from high (spinach = 0.2%) and low (spinach = 0.02%) nitrate/nitrite containing diets on copper status of mice. The dietary treatments had no significant effects on urinary and fecal copper excretions and whole blood and liver copper contents of mice. However, there were significant (p < 0.01) interactions of protein source by type of fat and protein source by spinach (nitrate/nitrite) level with regard to fecal copper excretion. Feeding of cocoa butter tended to result in lower copper excretions in urine and feces and higher copper concentrations in the whole blood and liver of mice. Therefore, cocoa butter might enhance copper absorption in comparison to hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Osteochondrosis, skeletal abnormalities and enzootic ataxia associated with copper deficiency in a farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) herd

A red deer herd of 150 mixed-age hinds, 48 stags and 102 weaners was identified as severely copper deficient during an observational study of 15 deer farms in the lower North Island of New Zealand during 1992 and 1993. Severe lameness was observed in nine weaners in 1992 (8.8% prevalence) and 15 in 1993 (12% prevalence). Typical abnormalities included swollen hocks and carpal joints and outward rotation of hind legs with hocks touching. At postmortem examination, there were epiphyseal fractures of the femoral head, severe degenerative arthropathy of the coxo-femoral joints and erosions of cartilage in many other limb joints. Osteochondrosis was confirmed histologically. Concurrently, three adult hinds and one adult stag developed into-ordination typical of enzootic ataxia which was confirmed histologically. Blood and liver copper concentrations in untreated affected weaner deer ranged from undetectable to 16.0 micromol/l (mean 7.6 micromol/l) and 25 to 53 micromol/kg (mean 39 micromol/kg), respectively. Mean blood copper concentrations in unaffected weaners in March 1992 and 1993 were 5.3 micromol/l and 4.4 micromol/l, respectively. The mean blood copper concentration in seven hinds in September 1992, prior to onset of clinical signs of enzootic ataxia, was 1.5 micromol/l (range 1.0-2.4 micromol/l). At other times of the year, mean blood copper concentrations ranged up to 12.5 micromol/l in adults and 8.9 micromol/l in weaners before treatment began in 1993. Pasture analyses showed copper contents of 6-11 ppm in 11 samples collected during 1992 and 1993. Sulphur ranged from 0.18 to 0.37%, molybdenum from 0.51 to 3.56 ppm and iron from 130 to 2886 ppm. These measurements supported a diagnosis of secondary copper deficiency. Supplementation with oral oxidised copper wire particles was undertaken from December 1992, resulting in an improvement in blood copper concentrations in some classes of deer. No further clinical abnormalities have been observed.

The effectiveness of copper oxide powder as a component of a sustained-release multi-trace element and vitamin rumen bolus system for cattle

Copper oxide powder administered in the form of two experimentally produced sustained-release rumen boluses significantly increased blood and liver copper concentrations in growing sheep. It was estimated that 7% of the copper released was stored in the liver. In two farm observation trials administration of two standard production boluses significantly increased blood copper concentrations in out-wintered suckler cows during late pregnancy and early lactation, and in growing cattle at grass in the summer over periods of at least 170 and 123 days, respectively.

Plasma and erythrocyte copper level as an indicator of disease activity during malignancy

Copper and zinc concentrations in erythrocytes, plasma and whole blood were determined in mice bearing spontaneous-, transplanted- and benezo[ a]pyrene-induced-tumour. The transplanted tumours studied were Sarcoma 180, Ehrlich carcinoma, and Dalton's lymphoma. Copper concentration in the malignant-tumour-bearing mice showed significant increases in erythrocytes and plasma, when compared with their normal controls. However, the zinc concentrations, although depressed in the different constituents of blood, were not significant enough to warrant any attention. Utilization of erythrocyte copper level as an additional marker of cancer activity is discussed.