[Chronic copper toxicity of the liver in rat: preliminary observations]

Chronic copper administration to rats (0,125% Cu acetate in drinking water for 1 month) produced no liver necrosis as assessed by SGOT release and liver histology. However when the liver was isolated from Cu++ treated animals and in vitro perfused, bile flow and BSP excretion were significantly reduced respect to controls. Our data suggest that accumulation of copper in the hepatocytes may cause a functional liver impairment before overt structural damage become evident.