Blood copper variation among species

Abstract

Total plasma Cu, indirect-reacting Cu, erythrocyte Cu, and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity were determined in 8 different species. Total plasma Cu was lowest in the turkey and peacock. The turkey had the lowest erythrocyte Cu as well. No ceruloplasmin activity was detected in either the turkey or the peacock. Oxidase activity per milligram ceruloplasmin varied among the mammals as follows: pig > human > rat> sheep > cattle > dog. A correlation was found between total plasma Cu and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity[long dash]the animals with lower plasma Cu concentration showed the least oxidase activity per milligram ceruloplasmin. Differences in enzyme structure may influence the synthesis or destruction of ceruloplasmin which in turn determines plasma Cu levels.