Low molecular weight copper-binding ligands in human bile.
The aim of this study was to detect and identify major low molecular weight (less than 10,000) copper-binding ligands in human bile. Modified gel chromatography was used as the method of ligand detection because it ensures the detection of labile as well as inert metal-ligand complexes. Conjugated bilirubin, peptides, and amino acids, primarily glycine, were isolated as the major ligands. In contrast to the other copper-binding ligands, the peptides were poor zinc binders, suggesting the possibility that they may confer necessary specificity to trace metal elimination.
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D001646:Bile / Q000378:metabolism*; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008024:Ligands; D008970:Molecular Weight; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism
D000596:Amino Acids; D008024:Ligands; D003300:Copper; D015032:Zinc