Biochimica et biophysica acta
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Biochim. Biophys. Acta · Sep 1976
Comparative StudyCopper deficiency and erythrocuprein (2Cu, 2Zn-superoxide dismutase).
The activities of 2Cu,2Zn-superoxide dismutase, ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin), catalase and glutathione peroxidase were measured in the blood of rats during copper depletion. Two control groups of animals were used; one received the regular diet containing all essential components including copper and the other group was maintained on a diet, containing 1% the amount of copper in normal diet, copper being supplied as Cu(Leu)2 in the drinking water. Both groups showed no detectable differences, either in the copper content of blood or in the measured four enzymic activities. ⋯ However, 15 days after the start of the copper depletion catalase activity rises again and reaches the control value on the 40th day and a 30% stimulation was even seen on the 58th day. Upon copper repletion catalase activity reaches 166% of the control within 14 days. No copper-dependent differences of glutathione peroxidase activity were seen regardless whatever copper level was present in the rats.