COPPER-METABOLISM IN RATS GIVEN DITHIOMOLYBDATES OR TRITHIOMOLYBDATES

The effects of MoO2S22- and MoOS32- on the metabolism of Cu by rats were investigated. Administration of either oxythiomolybdate increased both plasma Cu concentration and the retention of Cu by the albumin fraction of plasma. In contrast to the effects of MoS42-, described previously, neither oxythiomolybdate inhibited 64Cu absorption from the digestive tract or induced biochemical or clinical signs of Cu deficiency. The potency of the thio- and oxythiomolybdates as inhibitors of Cu utilization is directly proportional to the degree of thio substitution within the series MoO4-xSx2-.