In order to know the mechanism of copper-induced pseudopregnancy and eliminate its toxicity, radiocopper and d-PcA were used in the rat and rabbit.
The 64Cu content in the serum and organs were determined at different times after radiocopper injection in the rat and rabbit with or without d-PcA treatment. All values must be related not only to the interval between injection and sampling but also to the organ specificity. Radiocopper concentration was highest in the liver and kidney. No relation was observed between radiocopper content and reproductive endocrine organs such as brain, pituitary, adrenals and ovaries.
D-PcA, a chelating agent for mobilizing body stores of copper, prevents induction of pseudopregnancy in rats and ovulation in rabbits by d-PcA's cupriuretic action.
From the results mentioned above, it may be explained that copper did not concentrate on specific endocrine area for the induction of pseudopregnancy and that d-PcA could prevent induction of pseudopregnancy following copper injection.