Copper transport from Cu(I)-thionein into apo-caeruloplasmin mediated by activated leucocytes

A study on the transfer of copper from Cu-thionein into apo-caeruloplasmin, using Cu-thionein that was previously oxidised by activated leucocytes, was performed. Cu(I)-thiolate oxidation was conveniently monitored by the progressive decline of the specific Cotton bands between 400 and 300 nm. The characteristic e.p.r. properties and NN-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine oxidase activity indicated a successful formation of caeruloplasmin. Taking into account the simultaneous occurrence of leucocytes, apo-caeruloplasmin and Cu-thionein in blood plasma, such an interaction would favour a possible metabolic link between either copper protein.