The localization and concentration of copper in the fallopian tube in women with or without an intrauterine contraceptive device.

The localization and concentration of copper in cryostat sections of human fallopian tubes from women using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and controls was determined by light microscopic- and atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. The copper was visually accumulated in the epithelium and the copper concentration in the tubal tissue was increased in the IUCD user group. We also measured the concentration of copper and ceruloplasmin in serum, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups studied. Our results indicate that the IUCD has effects beyond the uterine cavity. The accumulation of copper may be associated with earlier observations of the morphological changes and infiltration of inflammatory cells observed in the fallopian tube in IUCD users.