Copper deficiency in rats: the effect of clofibrate.

This study was undertaken to determine whether hepatic lipogenesis plays a role in the exacerbation of copper (Cu) deficiency. Forty-eight male rats were fed from weaning a Cu-deficient or adequate diet containing 62% carbohydrate as either starch or fructose with or without clofibrate for 5 weeks. Clofibrate was fed since it had been shown to possess hypolipidemic properties. Administration of clofibrate reduced the activity of the lipogenic enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Total hepatic lipid, however, was not reduced. Clofibrate did not affect hepatic lipid concentration and the pathology associated with Cu deficiency when fructose was fed was not prevented by the consumption of clofibrate.