In vivo effect of chemically induced fibrosarcoma on copper metabolism of liver in mice.

Copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations were determined in different subcellular fractions of liver of mice bearing benzo(a)pyrene induced fibrosarcoma. Though the copper content was elevated in the nuclear, mitochondrial and lysosomal fractions of tumor bearing mice, the microsomal and soluble supernatant fractions showed a downward trend in their copper concentration when compared to the controls. Similarly, ceruloplasmin concentration in the different subcellular fractions also showed variable results. This study was aimed to ascertain the distribution of copper. The incorporation of radioactive copper in different fractions was also monitored. The possible reasons for the variation in copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations observed during malignancy in the tumor bearing animals, has been discussed.