title: Hepatogenous photosensitization associated with liver copper accumulation in buffalos.
abstract: Four 1.5-year-old, male, Murrah buffalos were maintained during eight months without direct solar exposure during a study of copper toxicosis. Four days after solar exposure, all buffalos presented clinical manifestations consistent with acute photosensitization, including anorexia, apathy, loss of body weight, and generalized cutaneous lesions. Gross lesions were characterized by severe erythema, localized edema, fissures, tissue necrosis, gangrene and crust formation with serous exudation. Liver copper concentration was evaluated, and cutaneous biopsies were taken when clinical signs were evident. The liver copper concentration before solar exposure was increased in all animals. Histopathologic examination of the skin revealed hepatogenous photosensitization characterized by parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, acantholysis, degeneration of squamous epithelial cells, epidermal necrosis with atrophy of sweat glands, and multifocal superficial and deep dermal edema. These findings suggest that asymptomatic accumulation of copper within the liver might have induced hepatic insufficiency thereby resulting in secondary photosensitization when these buffalos were exposed to sunlight.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, USP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Antonio H H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Minervino
authors.forename: Raimundo A Barrêto
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Júnior
authors.forename: Frederico A M L
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Rodrigo N F
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Leonardo F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Selwyn A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Headley
authors.forename: Enrico L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Ortolani
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002020:Buffaloes; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006109:Poaceae; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D003300:Copper