ISSN:
1572-8773
Keywords:
Copper transfer
;
Metallothionein
;
Mammalian intestine
;
ELISA
;
Immunoblotting
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Summary The elucidation of the molecular side of copper transport in biological systems is a promising task. In this context the transfer of ingested copper into the portal blood plasma was examined. Intralumenal addition of 200 μM copper caused the release of Cu-thionein into the venous effluent. This Cu-thionein became detectable after prior perfusion of the porcine small bowel using a modified isotonic phosphate-buffered saline (Pi/NaCl) medium. The protein was characterized by gel chromatography, luminescence, electronic absorption and immunological identification. ELISA and immunoblotting employing a murine monoclonal antibody to rat liver metallothionein-I proved to be most convenient. Using buffer-loaded sacs of porcine jejunum into which Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ were added, the release of metallothionein into the serosal fluid was successfully seen by ELISA. The observed excretion of metallothionein into the portal compartment may be a genuine metal transport system for many biochemically active metals.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01179524
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