Micronutrient Changes in Some Tissues of Copper Deficient Rats

Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of copper deficiency on tissue level of some minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn, Mn) in the growing male rats divided into two groups of rats fed either a copper deficient (0.06mgCu/Kg) or a Copper adequate diet. Both groups of rats were fed for six weeks. Copper deficiency decreased the final body weight of the rats by 21 % compared to copper- adequate control rats. The haematological parameter i.e packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell (WBC) count of the copper deficient rats were significantly reduced compared to the control rats. Tissue content of nine elements (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and phosphorus) were measured in the liver and the kidney of both group of rats. In copper deficiency, however, significant increase (p<0.05) in the tissue content of some elements (Zn, Ca, Fe, Na, K, Mn) were observed compared to the control, while Cu, Mg and phosphorus level were lowered compared to the control. The result implies that copper deficiency in rats could be detrimental to growth, mineral metabolism and hence the overall well being of the rat. Key words: Copper deficiency, rats, haematological parameters, mineral