Changes of serum iron transferrin and copper ceruloplasmin in rats given Cu(II)2 (acetylsalicylate)4 during acute inflammation.

Modifications of serum levels of iron transferrin and copper ceruloplasmin after acute inflammation by carrageenan and treatment with acetyl salicylic acid [ASA] or Cu(II)2(acetylsalicylate)4 [Cu(II)2(AS)4] were studied in the rat by EPR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the ulcerogenic potential of the two drugs was investigated after a single high oral dose. Our results indicate that Cu(II)2(AS)4 is more effective than ASA in limiting the inflammation provoked by the phlogogen. In these conditions the iron(III) non-heme and copper(II) ceruloplasmin concentration in serum was modified either during inflammation or after treatment with antiphlogistic agents: in carrageenan-injected rats the level of serum iron(III) non-heme was found to be very low, while the copper(II) ceruloplasmin concentration was partially reduced. On the other hand, after the pharmacological treatments, no changes of iron transferrin were observed and the concentration of copper ceruloplasmin was increased. With regard to their ulcerogenic effect, ASA appeared to be more irritating for gastric mucosa than Cu(II)2(AS)4.