Hepatic copper–and zinc-binding proteins in ruminants

Abstract

1. A metal-binding fraction with a molecular weight of about 12000 in calf and sheep liver has been characterized as a metallothionein-like protein.2. The combined concentrations of copper and zinc in the fraction (as μg/g liver) are a direct function of liver Zn concentration.3. The relative proportions of Cu and Zn in the fraction are dependent on the Cu: Zn ratio in the liver.4. These findings may be relevant to the mutual interaction between Cu and Zn.