Effect of chronic inflammation on copper and zinc metabolism.

The effect of chronic inflammation on serum, blood and hepatic copper and zinc concentrations has been studied in arthritic female Sprague-Dawley rats, for a six week period. Metals were determined by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry and by inductively-coupled argon plasma spectrometry. Blood measurements evidenced hypercupremia and normal zinc levels. Serum and hepatic copper content were found to be increased. Serum zinc values were reduced whilst hepatic zinc concentration was higher. Serum alterations of both metals remained throughout the studied period. Good correlations were found between systemic alteration and changes in metal values.