Final: Copper (Cu)

Question 1

What are 5 essential functions of Cu?

Answer 1

1. Cytochrome oxidase/electron transport chain
2. Lysyl oxidase/formation of desmosine crosslinks in collagen and elastin (strong bones and c.t.)
3. Ceruloplasmin/Hemoglobin synthesis
4. Tyrosinase/production of melanin from tyrosine
5. Superoxide dismutase/protection from free radical oxygen metabolites (phagocytic cell function)

Question 2

What are the signs of copper deficiency?

Answer 2

Alopecia and lack of pigmentation
Anemia
Fragile bones/osteoporosis
Cardiac failure
Poor growth
Repro inefficiency
Loss of immune function

Question 3

Cu deficiency can cause secondary _____ deficiency.

Answer 3

iron

Question 4

What are dietary sources of Cu?

Answer 4

Plant based (grains and forages dependent on soil content)
Animal based (liver and meat)

Question 5

What two things reduce the availability of dietary Cu?

Answer 5

Sulfur and molybdenum in the diet

Question 6

What are 3 inorganic sources of Cu?

Answer 6

1. Copper sulfate (most common supplement)
2. Copper chloride
3. Copper oxide (poor avail.)

Question 7

What are 3 syndromes of special concern in vet med regarding Cu?

Answer 7

1. Cu as a growth promoter in swine and poultry (high levels can have antibacterial properties)
2. Swayback of lambs (Cu-def. ewes…demyelination of cerebrum of lambs)
3. Cu-associated hepatitis in Bedlington terriers (accumulation of Cu in hepatocytes, whelping-stress-jaundice-hemolytic crises)

Question 8

What animals have Cu toxicity?

Answer 8

Ruminants (esp. small ruminants)

Question 9

What can Cu toxicity do to urine?

Answer 9

dark in color