Experimental copper deficiency in laboratory mice.

Copper deficiency was produced in weanling C57BL/6J and Hap:(ICR) mice that were fed a milk-sucrose based diet supplemented with appropriate vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Growth retardation, decreased hematocrit, lethargy, dyspnea, achromotrichia, and high mortality (in ICR mice) were apparent in copper-deficient mice. Cardiac enlargement, hemopericardium, hemothorax, and pleural effusion were observed at necropsy. Thrombosis of the atria, myocardial degeneration and necrosis, and sites of myocardial rupture were observed at histopathologic examination.