title: Pathological consequences of copper deficiency and cobalt deficiency.
abstract: Aspects of the pathology of copper deficiency in several species, and cobalt deficiency in sheep, are summarized. An attempt is made to interpret morphological changes in copper-deficient animals in terms of biochemical defects. The common denominator may be mitochondrial lesions, with a generalized effect on energy-dependent synthetic functions of the cell. In copper deficiency, such defects can be attributed to depletion of copper-dependent enzymes, while deficiency of cobalt in ruminants is, in effect, deficiency of vitamin B12. The pathological consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency form a syndrome, notable features of which are neurological and muscular lesions, in which the metabolic consequences of hepatic damage may play a significant role.
mesh_terms: D000748:Anemia, Macrocytic / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D003035:Cobalt / Q000172:deficiency*; D003300:Copper / Q000172:deficiency*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000378:metabolism; D008765:Methylmalonyl-CoA Mutase / Q000172:deficiency; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012636:Secretory Rate; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D003035:Cobalt; D003300:Copper; D008765:Methylmalonyl-CoA Mutase