Ambivalent role of copper in inflammatory disorders

Whitehouse, MW

HERO ID

4943060

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1976

HERO ID 4943060
In Press No
Year 1976
Title Ambivalent role of copper in inflammatory disorders
Authors Whitehouse, MW
Journal Agents and Actions
Volume 6
Issue 1-3 (February 1976)
Page Numbers 201-206
Abstract Soluble copper (Cu) preparations are both acute/chronic irritants and effective anti-inflammatory agents in rats. Copper is a prevalent component in several folk remedies for arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are reported to have higher-than-normal levels of serum copper, mainly associated with albumin. The anti-arthritis drug, D-penicillamine (Pn), efficiently strips Cu from some of its (pharmacologically inert) storage forms, e.g. Cu-albumin, Cu-polynucleotides yielding low M.W. Cu-Pn complexes, which show anti-inflammatory activity (ca. 5 X phenylbutazone) in rats irritated with carrageenan, oleyl alcohol, sodium urate and adjuvants. Under certain conditions Pn also blocks the amine-oxidase activity of caeruloplasmin, a circulating copper protein which is elevated in inflamed animals (an 'acute phase reactant'). Drugs, nutritional factors and the disease process may all possibly affect the movement of copper in vivo between inert reversible pharmacoactive reversible toxic forms.
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword Index Medicus