Accumulation of trace elements in sheep and the effects upon qualitative and quantitative ovarian changes

The distribution of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo, Se, As, Cd and Pb was determined in the organs of sheep that died of Cu intoxication from a Cu plants emissions. Simultaneously, quantitative and qualitative changes in the ovaries were evaluated. In sheep that died of copper intoxication, the highest Cu levels were in the liver (1797 +/- 946.1 mg/kg dry matter) and the kidneys (425.5 +/- 426.4 mg/kg dry matter). The liver and kidneys accumulated Zn, whereas Fe was primarily accumulated by spleen and kidneys. Selenium was mainly in the ovaries and uterus (7.72 +/- 4.88 and 5.30 +/- 5.33 mg/kg dry matter respectively). The ovaries and the uterus were the organs that accumulated As, Cd and Pb, respectively. Histological changes in the number of ovarian follicles and the increased occurrence of primary atretic follicles indicated alterations in the membrane structures and organelles of oocytes and in the follicular cells of the stratum granulosum.