Abstract
Copper, through its role as cofactor for lysyl oxidase, is essential for intra- and inter-molecular cross-links in collagen. Copper deficiency, in man and in animals, is associated with bone fragility ascribed to defective cross-links. To assess bone strength in copper-deficient animals, we designed a sensitive torsion-testing apparatus according to biomechanical considerations. Femora from 7 copper-deficient rats and from their pair-fed controls were tested in torsional loading until fracture. Significant decreases in the maximal sustained torque (t = 2.93, p < 0.05), in the ultimate angular deformation (t = 2.52, p < 0.05) and in the toughness (t = 2.88, p < 0.05) were demonstrated. In a complementary study, it was shown that the ash weight and the calcium content of the femora from the copper-deficient animals did not differ from those of the controls. It was likely, therefore, that the impaired mechanical strength was related to defects in the collagen component of bone.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 245-252 |
| Journal | Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - Sep 1993 |
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Jonas, J., Burns, J., Abel, EW., Cresswell, MJ., Strain, JJ., & Paterson, CR. (1993). Impaired mechanical strength of bone in experimental copper deficiency. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 37(5), 245-252.