Copper nitrilotriacetate: a potent therapeutic agent in the treatment of a genetic disorder of copper metabolism.

Copper nitrilotriacetate (NTA) was evaluated for its ability to ameliorate effects of the recessive mutant gene crinkled (cr) in mice. Copper-NTA was superior to copper sulfate in increasing postnatal survival and body copper content of offspring of dams supplemented during pregnancy and lactation. Feeding of NTA alone during these periods had no effect on survival. Postnatal supplementation with copper did not increase survival of the mutants. The therapeutic use of copper-NTA, and the necessity for prenatal intervention for successful treatment of the mutant, are discussed in relation to Menkes' syndrome.