Effects of copper on dopaminergic function in the rat corpus striatum

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Exp. Neurol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-4886(86)90051-8· OSTI ID:5674388

De Vries, D J; Sewell, R B; Beart, P M

Copper-loading was produced in rats by administration of 0.125% CuSO4 in the drinking water for a period of 11 months from weaning. At conclusion of the treatment the animals had significant increases in liver (552%) and brain (26%) copper content relative to age-matched controls. Whereas the concentration of dopamine was unaffected, the concentration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the corpus striatum was found to be lower (25% decrease) in the copper-treated group. Saturation studies of the striatal D-2 dopamine receptors using (3H)spiperone indicated that in copper-loaded animals the affinity was significantly increased threefold, whereas there was a trend for the number of receptors to decrease. When included in the radioligand binding assay, copper salts (Cu2+) inhibited specific (3H)spiperone binding to untreated corpora striata. The inhibition produced by copper was competitive with a significant decrease in affinity, the 50% effective concentration of Cu2+ was 21 to 24 microM, and the potency of dopamine agonists was also decreased. These results are discussed in relation to the mechanism by which copper affects dopaminergic function and to the use of copper-loaded rats as a model of Wilson's disease.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Melbourne, Australia
• OSTI ID: 5674388
• Journal Information: Exp. Neurol.; (United States), Journal Name: Exp. Neurol.; (United States) Vol. 3; ISSN EXNEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AMINES
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BRAIN
CARDIOTONICS
CARDIOVASCULAR AGENTS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
CHEMICAL BONDS
COPPER
COPPER COMPOUNDS
COPPER SULFATES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISTRIBUTION
DOPAMINE
DRUGS
ELEMENTS
GLANDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INGESTION
INHIBITION
INTAKE
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
LIVER
MAMMALS
MEMBRANE PROTEINS
MEMBRANES
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
NEUROREGULATORS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHENOLS
POLYPHENOLS
PROTEINS
RATS
RECEPTORS
RODENTS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SYMPATHOMIMETICS
TISSUE DISTRIBUTION
TRACER TECHNIQUES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TRITIUM COMPOUNDS
VERTEBRATES