Copper induced hepatotoxicosis with hepatic stellate cell activation and severe fibrosis in North Ronaldsay lambs: a model for non-Wilsonian hepatic copper toxicosis of infants

Haywood, S., Müller, T., Mackenzie, A.M., Müller, W., Tanner, M.S., Heinz-Erian, P., Williams, C.L. and Loughran, M.J. (2004) Copper induced hepatotoxicosis with hepatic stellate cell activation and severe fibrosis in North Ronaldsay lambs: a model for non-Wilsonian hepatic copper toxicosis of infants. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 130 (4). pp. 266-277.

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2003.11.005

Abstract

Copper-sensitive North Ronaldsay sheep represent a possible model for certain hepatic-overload syndromes of infancy and childhood that are clinically, pathologically and genetically distinct from Wilson's disease. The purpose of this study was to simulate in artificially reared lambs the syndrome produced by copper exposure in susceptible human infants. Twenty four North Ronaldsay lambs were assigned to three groups of eight animals, namely, an unsupplemented control group and two trial groups given milk replacer to which copper (CuSO4) had been added at the rate of 5 mg/litre and 10 mg/litre. Four lambs from each group were killed at 40 or 69 days. Livers were fixed in 10% formalin and analysed for copper by mass spectrometry. Paraffin wax-embedded sections were stained with rhodanine for copper and labelled immunohistochemically for α smooth muscle actin (ASMA). At 40 days the maximum amounts of copper in the livers of both copper-supplemented groups was 1466–1605 μg/g dry weight (control group 172–201 μg/g Cu dry weight). Histochemically, copper was demonstrated within hepatocytes, together with marked apoptosis. At 69 days there was a florid pericellular fibrosis complemented by strong ASMA immunolabelling, confirming phenotypic modulation of hepatic stellate cells. Such primary copper-induced fibrogenesis confirms the unique status of this animal model in respect of childhood copper toxicosis.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences (to 31.07.20)
Depositing User:	Mr Darren Roberts
Date Deposited:	20 Dec 2018 11:50
Last Modified:	02 Jan 2019 15:36
URI:	https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/16291

Actions (login required)

Edit Item