Cu+/Cu+2

^[1]

Biochemistry

copper is the 3rd most abundant essential trace element in humans following iron & zinc
role in electron transport & in redox reactions
essential for
- cellular respirations
- neurotransmitter regulation
- collagen synthesis
- nutrient metabolism
present in all living cells
copper-containing plasma amine oxidases catabolize tyramine, histidine, polyamines & inactivate catecholamines
lysyl oxidase promotes cross-linking of collagen
cytochrome C oxidase is a component of electron transport
superoxide dismutase 1 contains copper & zinc
proteins that trasnport copper include
- ceruloplasmin
- albumin
- transcuperin
metallothionein which sequesters & stores copper
clotting factor V contains coppers

copper absorption occurs in the stomach & small intestine
bile adds about 5 mg of Cu+2 to the intestinal content of copper
excessive Zn+2, Fe+2 inhibit Cu+2 absorption
ascorbate inhibits Cu+2 absorption by reducing it to Cu+
histidine, gluconate & citrate enhance copper absorption
newly absorbed copper is transported in the portal vein bound to albumin & transcuperin to the liver where it is rapidly cleared
50-70% of total body copper is stored in the liver; most of the remainder is within skeletal muscle
total body copper stores are 50-80 mg
ceruloplasmin transports 65-70% of plasma copper released by the liver
excretion is mainly in the feces via biliary excretion

↑ Henry's Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 21st edition, McPherson RA & Pincus MR (es), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 2007, pg 386