NITRITES AND L-CITRULLINE LEVELS IN COPPER INTRAUTERINE-DEVICE USERS

The mechanism of copper in limiting intrauterine infections in intraut erine device (Cu IUD) users is poorly understood. Copper ions may enha nce the release of reactive oxygen radicals, which in turn decrease th e release of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI). RNI are known to h ave bactericidal effect. The present study compares the levels of RNI prior so Cu-T insertion and at different post-insertion intervals up t o 12 weeks. The decrease in RNI was evident by one week and continued until 12 weeks. Therefore, the bactericidal effect of copper in IUD is via reactive oxygen intermediates. The superoxide anion inactivates t his active intermediate nitric oxide. Therefore, excess of superoxide radical will markedly shorten the half-life of nitric oxide but Mill n ot prevent its conversion to nitrites and nitrates. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.