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Published on: May 18, 2017
Elevated serum copper is associated with reduced immune response in aging mice
H R Massie1, W Ofosu-Appiah, V R Aiello
1Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, Utica, N.Y. 13501.
Gerontology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
High serum copper levels and ceruloplasmin may suppress the immune system, particularly in older mice. This immunosuppression affects lymphocyte response to mitogens, suggesting a link between copper levels and immune function in aging.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum copper concentrations vary with age in mice.
- Aging is often associated with altered immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum copper levels and immune response in young versus old mice.
- To determine the effect of ceruloplasmin on lymphocyte mitogen response.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of serum copper concentrations in young and old mice.
- Assessment of splenic lymphocyte mitogen response in vitro.
- In vitro addition of ceruloplasmin to lymphocyte cultures.
Main Results:
- Old mice exhibited a wider range of serum copper, with many exceeding 0.6 ppm.
- Lymphocytes from old mice with high copper showed reduced mitogen response.
- Lymphocytes from young mice with higher copper showed increased mitogen response.
- Ceruloplasmin reduced lymphocyte mitogen response, more so in cells from old mice.
Conclusions:
- Excess serum copper and ceruloplasmin may have an immunosuppressive effect.
- This immunosuppression appears more pronounced in older organisms.
- Altered copper metabolism could contribute to age-related immune decline.
