The content of zinc and copper of whole blood, plasma, erythrocytes and white cells, has been measured in normal controls. The concentrations of zinc and copper in leucocytes are about seven and ten times respectively higher than those in erythrocytes. Women taking oral contraceptives showed significant increases in the concentrations of copper in plasma and whole blood but not in leucocytes or erythrocytes. Oral contraceptives did not alter the concentration of zinc in any of the fractions or in whole blood. These data provide a baseline for the assessment of the body status of zinc and copper in various disease states in which deficiencies may be present.
PIP: The content of zinc and copper of whole blood, plasma, erythrocytes, and white cells has been measured in normal controls. The concentrations of zinc and copper in leucocytes are about 7 and 10 times respectively higher than those in erythrocytes. Women taking oral contraceptives (OCs) showed significant increases in the concentrations of plasma in copper and whole blood but not in leucocytes or erythrocytes. OCs did not alter the concentration of zinc in any of the fractions or in whole blood. These data provide a baseline for the assessment of the body status of zinc and copper in various disease states in which deficiencies may be present.