Cytochrome c oxidase, Cu,Zn-Superoxide dismutase, and ceruloplasmin activities in copper-deficient bovines

The activity of several cuproenzymes in relation to the immune system was e xamined in serum and blood cells from bovines with molybdenum-induced coppe r deficiency. Five female cattle were given molybdenum (30 ppm) and sulfate (225 ppm) to induce experimental secondary copper deficiency. Ceruloplasmi n activity was determined in serum. The Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase and cyto chrome c oxidase activities were measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocyte-derived macrophages. Copper deficiency was confir med from decreased serum copper levels and the animals with values less tha n 5.6 mu mol/L were considered deficient. The content of intracellular copp er decreased between 40% and 70% in deficient cells compared with the contr ols, in copper-deficient animals, the serum ceruloplasmin activity decrease d to half of the control value. Both of them, the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutas e and the cytochrome c oxidase activities, undergo a significant reduction in leukocytes, showing differences among diverse cell populations. We concl uded that the copper deficiency alters the activity of several enzymes, whi ch mediate antioxidant defenses and Am formation. These effects may impair the cell immune functionality, affecting the bactericidal capacity and maki ng the animals more susceptible to infection.