Comparative ability of exogenously administered metals to alter tissue levels and urinary output of copper and zinc.

Overview

Various metal ions were administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats and their effects on copper and zinc metabolism examined. Of the metals tested, cobalt was unique in producing a substantial (200%) increase in urinary excretion of copper, which lasted through 72 h after a single dose (250 mumol/kg body weight); during the same time period zinc output in urine was markedly (40-50%) reduced. Decreased (approximately 30-40%) renal copper levels were observed following treatment with cobalt, tin, manganese, nickel and iron. Such changes indicate the existence of important biological interactions of exogenously administered metals with endogenous trace elements, and suggest the possibility of utilizing metals such as cobalt to modulate experimentally copper and zinc metabolism.