RESUMO
Pharmacological effects of copper complexed to organic ligands have been a subject of intensive investigation during the last decade. Among these complexes is Copper[I]-[Nicotinic acid][2] Cl, [CuCl[HNA][2]], which proved to be effective anti-inflammatory drug [1]. However, the distribution of elementary copper among plasma and tissues following the administration of this drug was not yet understood, therefore, this study was conducted. A dose equivalent to 8 mg/Kg body weight of CuCl[HNA][2] suspended in saline-L-ascorbic acid [0.5%] was given orally to albino rats. Results obtained denote that the administered complex was absorbed in its intact form and underwent several metabolic processes leading to the accumulation of copper in magnitudes up to three folds in some rat organs. In the first two hours postabsorption, copper concentrations reached a plateau in rat organs and systemic circulation. Basal concentrations were almost restored within three days in plasma and most organs except the liver which retained copper as much as double or triple its initial concentration. However, copper uptake and release in brain and heart were characterized by being relatively slow. Although, lipid peroxidation products [TBARS] and some minor hepatotoxic features were observed at the first day post-administration, no signs of impaired liver function were detected. Activity levels of plasma transferases, ALT and AST were not significantly changed. This investigation also revealed that, 0.8 mg CuCl[HNA][2] / Kg body weight is a safe therapeutic dose of this drug