Effects of intraperitoneally injected copper and zinc on plasma vitamin E concentrations in dogs

Abstract

Objective: Vitamin E, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients and important antioxidants for health and performance. In addition, these substances may protect the cellular lipids and lipoproteins against oxidative damage caused by free radicals (FR). The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of Cu and Zn on vitamin E concentration in plasma and to determine the relationships between Cu, Zn and vitamin E in dogs. Materials and methods: This study was carried out on 12 dogs and the experimental animals were randomly divided into 3 equal groups formed of 4 animals. The first group (control, C) was used as control, and only placebo (physiological saline 0.9%) was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected. The second group was i.p.-injected Cu (as isotonic CuCl2, 0.5 mg/kg). The third group was i.p.-injected Zn (as isotonic ZnCl2 2.5 mg/kg). Injections of Cu and Zn were done once in 2 days during 2 weeks. Results and conclusions: While serum vitamin E concentration was statistically increased (p < 0.01) by Zn treatments, it was not affected (p > 0.05) by the Cu treatments. Based upon these results, Zn may affect plasma concentration of vitamin E in dogs.