Abstract

Ahmad El-Waseef

The concentrations of blood, urine and feces copper were estimated in 3 groups of rabbits over a six weeks period- The animals of the first group were subacutely intoxicated with lead; those of the second group were lead-intoxicated and simultaneously ingesting zinc and the rabbits of the third group were ingesting zinc alone. In lead-intoxicated rabbits, both blood and urine copper levels were significantly decreased and feces copper level was increased. Intake of zinc by lead-intoxicated rabbits has improved the levels of blood and urine copper and decreased feces copper level. Intake of zinc by normal rabbits has significantly increased blood and urine copper levels whereas feces copper level was decreased. Kidney, lung, brain and muscle copper levels were dec¬reased in leadintoxicated rabbits and improved by zinc intake. Zinc intake alone caused excess storage of copper in bones, livers, lungs, hearts and muscles of normal rabbits. It seems that excess oral lead intake inhibits intestinal absorption of copper and, if simultaneously taken with lead, zinc ameliorates copper absorption leading to elevation of blood copper and consequent storage in some tissues.

Intoxicated; Rabbits; Zinc

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