[Levels of copper and its antagonists in mice with natural lymphocytic leukemia]

In the mice of high leukemic strain, sick with natural lymphatic leukemia, levels of copper, zinc and cadmium in blood and inner organs were determined by the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mice were killed on the 0 day (when 10 weeks old) and after 90, 180 and 270 days of observation. In plasma the level of ceruloplasmin (EC1.12.3.1) was determined. It has been proved that in mice with lymphatic leukemia the levels of copper, zinc and cadmium are higher than in control animals. It was also found out that there is some disturbance in the natural antagonism between these metals. The activity of ceruloplasmin in the course of leukemia was determined. We have also tried to interpret the role of heavy metals in leukemogenesis in mice.