Involvement of copper in female reproduction.
Copper (Cu) is one of the essential trace metals which are necessary in maintaining the functioning of living organisms. The current knowledge on the role of copper in animal reproduction is presented in the article. Our studies have shown that complexes of copper (Cu²+) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are even more effective in the release of LH than native GnRH. Moreover, Cu-GnRH is more potent in inducing in vivo release of FSH than LH. Copper complexes with GnRH interact with GnRH receptors (GnRHR) and modulate intracellular signaling in the gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary. Copper plays also a significant role in maintaining normal fetus development in mammals.
The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jablonna, Poland. annamichaluk@poczta.onet.pl
Anna
A
Michaluk
Kazimierz
K
Kochman
D000818:Animals; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases / Q000378:metabolism; D009097:Multienzyme Complexes / Q000378:metabolism; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000378:metabolism; D011966:Receptors, LHRH / Q000187:drug effects; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D009097:Multienzyme Complexes; D011966:Receptors, LHRH; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D003300:Copper; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; C035189:peptidylglycine monooxygenase