EFFECT OF THE SEX OF WEANED RATS ON THE ACCUMULATION OF DIETARY COPPER IN THEIR LIVERS

Weanling rats of both sexes were fed diets containing amounts of copper which varied from 500 to 2000 mg per kg for 4 weeks. The weight of the animals and food consumption were measured and at the end of the 4 weeks the rats were killed and the livers retained for analysis and histology. Copper accumulated more readily in the livers of the male rats and they were also less resistant than the females to the toxic effects. The signs of toxicity were a reduced growth rate and early liver damage in animals on the most highly supplemented diets. © 1979.