Biomaterial Database

The effect of lupinosis on liver copper, selenium and zinc concentrations in merino sheep. 1979

J G Allen, and H G Masters, and S R Wallace

Merino wether weaners were exposed to toxic lupin stubbles for periods of one, two and six to nine weeks, and the effect on their liver copper, selenium and zinc concentrations studied. After the one week period there was a slight decrease in liver copper and selenium concentrations in sheep severely affected with lupinosis. This was attributed to loss of these elements from necrotic cells, and greatly increased quantities of fat in the liver. In the same period liver zinc concentrations declined and were negatively correlated with the degree of liver injury. After two weeks or more of exposure to toxic lupins a positive correlation existed between both the liver copper and selenium concentrations, and the degree of liver injury. Furthermore, total liver copper and selenium levels were also positively correlated with the degree of liver injury. Liver zinc concentrations were negatively correlated with the degree of liver injury. It is suggested that when the liver is under the influence of the toxins causing lupinosis for more than two weeks, it stores copper and selenium, and loses zinc.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008099	Liver	A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates that is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, synthesis and storage of various substances.	Livers
D008107	Liver Diseases	Pathological processes of the LIVER.	Liver Dysfunction,Disease, Liver,Diseases, Liver,Dysfunction, Liver,Dysfunctions, Liver,Liver Disease,Liver Dysfunctions
D009183	Mycotoxins	Toxic compounds produced by FUNGI.	Fungal Toxins,Mycotoxin,Toxins, Fungal
D010939	Plant Poisoning	Poisoning by the ingestion of plants or its leaves, berries, roots or stalks. The manifestations in both humans and animals vary in severity from mild to life threatening. In animals, especially domestic animals, it is usually the result of ingesting moldy or fermented forage.	Poisoning, Plant,Plant Poisonings,Poisonings, Plant
D003300	Copper	A heavy metal trace element with the atomic symbol Cu, atomic number 29, and atomic weight 63.55.	Copper-63,Copper 63
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012643	Selenium	An element with the atomic symbol Se, atomic number 34, and atomic weight 78.97. It is an essential micronutrient for mammals and other animals but is toxic in large amounts. Selenium protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage. It is an essential component of GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE.	Selenium-80,Selenium 80
D012756	Sheep	Any of the ruminant mammals with curved horns in the genus Ovis, family Bovidae. They possess lachrymal grooves and interdigital glands, which are absent in GOATS.	Ovis,Sheep, Dall,Dall Sheep,Ovis dalli
D012757	Sheep Diseases	Diseases of domestic and mountain sheep of the genus Ovis.	Ovine Diseases,Disease, Ovine,Disease, Sheep,Diseases, Ovine,Diseases, Sheep,Ovine Disease,Sheep Disease
D015032	Zinc	A metallic element of atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.38. It is a necessary trace element in the diet, forming an essential part of many enzymes, and playing an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with ANEMIA, short stature, HYPOGONADISM, impaired WOUND HEALING, and geophagia. It is known by the symbol Zn.