Pharmacological Corticoid Hormone Effects on Ceruloplasmin and Copper Levels in Adrenalectomized and Testectomized Rats



Ani M¹ ; Mostaghie AA¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Romanian Journal of Endocrinology Published:1996

Abstract

Short- and long-teim effects of steroids on serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin were studied. Blood ceruloplasmin and copper levels showed no significant changes 24 h after administration of corticoids. However, long-term treatment of the animale increased the plasma levels of these two parameters. Thus, daily treatment of the animals with corticosterone for 15, 30, 45 or 60 days led to the increase in serum ceruloplasmin levels by 42, 77, 47 and 16 percent, respectively. Changes in copper levels were in parallel with ceruloplasmin. Although cortisol could increase ceruloplasmin and copper levels to some extent, it appeared not to be as potent as corticosterone in this respect. Serum ceruloplasmin and copper concentrations were also studied following adrenalectomy and testectomy. Thus, ceruloplasmin and copper levels, measured 14 days after adrenalectomy, showed an 86- and 100-percent increase, respectively. On the other hand, testectomy had no significant effect on the plasma levels of these two parameters.