The differential effects of cuprizone on mouse brain and liver metabolism, 1987

Abstract

The oral administration of cuprizone to pregnant mice results in resorption of the fetus and a decline in the live births. When cuprizone is fed as a 0.5% of the diet to weanling mice, it induces status spongiosus in the brain and giant mitochondria in the liver. The activities of lysyl oxidase and cytochrome oxidase in the brain and liver are inhibited and the copper and zinc concentrations decreased. There is an appreciable decrease in body growth and weight. The wet weight of the liver decreases significantly, however, the brain shows no significant decrease in weight. These morphological and biochemical changes in the brain and liver of cuprizone-fed mice are compared with those changes observed in Menkes' steely hair disease, mottled brindled mice and experimental animals with copper deficiencies. The possible pathogenesis of those changes is discussed