INCREASED SERUM COPPER IN PRIMARY PULMONARY-HYPERTENSION - A POSSIBLE PATHOGENIC LINK

In conscious sheep, an infusion of copper sulfate produced a marked increase in pulmonary vascular resistance which was prevented by .alpha.-adrenergic blockade or catecholamine depletion. Because of these observations, serum Cu was measured in 7 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, and in 6 normal women. The 5 female patients had taken contraceptive and appetite-suppressant medication in the past. The mean serum Cu level was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary hypertension, indicating that increased serum Cu may be a cause or a marker of this entity.