1997•The Journal of Trace Elements in Experimental MedicineRequires access
Age‐related copper, zinc, and iron metabolism in Long‐Evans cinnamon rats and copper‐eliminating effects of D‐penicillamine and trienthine‐2HCl
Norikazu Shimizu, Yoshimi Fujii, Yoko Saito, Yukitoshi Yamaguchi, Tsugutoshi Aoki
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Abstract
The Long-Evans cinnamon (LEC) rat is an animal model of human Wilson's disease. The hepatic copper content of LEC rats increased in an age-dependent manner from 4–5 days of age and was maintained at a high level from 15–16 weeks of age. The renal copper content of LEC rats showed a tendency to increase from 10 weeks of age and increased rapidly from 15 weeks of age. No difference in whole-brain copper concentration was observed between LEC and Long-Evans agouti (LEA) rats. LEC rats treated with D-penicillamine and trienthine-2HCl had reduced liver dysfunction. These agents reduced the hepatic copper content by 1/2–2/3 and the renal copper content to within the normal range. They also decreased the copper content of hair and nails, and there was also a good correlation between the copper content of liver and white hair. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 10:49–59, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.