Seasonal variations of tissues and serum copper concentrations in chronic copper poisoned goats

Primary chronic forms of copper poisoning have been reported to occur in goats around the copper industries in Kerman province. The survey was carried out from autumn 2015 to the end of summer 2016, in Kerman province, Iran. Based on clinical signs, confirmed by necropsy and copper concentration of serum and different tissues, ten live chronic copper poisoned (CCP) goats were used in the study in each season. Blood samples were then taken. Samples from hair, liver, lung, kidney, heart and spleen were collected and copper was measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery. The highest levels of copper in lung, heart, liver, kidney and hair were observed in winter. Spleen had the highest concentration of copper in the summer. The lowest concentration of copper in serum, kidney, liver, heart, lung and hair was detected in spring. The lowest level of copper in the spleen was seen in winter. In spring, copper contents of liver had significant and positive relationships with copper level of lung, heart and spleen (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between various tissues in different seasons. The highest and lowest serum concentration of molybdenum was observed in spring and winter, respectively (p<0.05). Serum ceruluplasmin significantly decreased in all seasons (p<0.05). In conclusion, the results of the current research showed that the level of copper in CCP goats is season-dependent. Significant correlations were also observed between different tissues in certain seasons in CCP goats. Ceruloplasmin decreased in CCP goats as a result of liver damage.