[The effect of D-penicillamine on the trace elements in rat organs (author's transl)]

Rats were fed by means of an esophagal tube with increased doses of D-penicillamine and given a diet with an optimal content of trace elements over a period of up to 6 weeks. There were no identifiable lasting effects of this dosage on cobalt, selenium and particularly zinc content. The reduction of copper in the kidneys was significant. Cu was unchanged in serum and brain. The remarkable increase in the copper content of the liver as a result of a possible counter regulation mechanism with intact ceruloplasmin synthesis is discussed. The potential clinical significance of these findings is pointed out.