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Effects of Long-Term Dietary Manganese and Copper Deficiency on Rat Skeleton¹

Department of Biology ^* Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093

Experiments were designed to produce biochemical changes in both serum and bone in rats by long-term dietary deficiencies of manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). Weanling rats were fed one of three diets: 1) normal Mn and Cu (N), 2) low Mn and Cu (L) and 3) depleted Mn and normal Cu (D). After 12 mo, serum Ca and P were significantly greater in the D rats than the N rats (134, 50 mg/L and 103, 39 mg/L, respectively). Serum and femur Mn levels were lower in D rats than in normal rats. Serum and femur Cu levels were lower in L rats than N rats. Femur Ca concentrations were significantly lower in D rats than in N rats (180 and 272 mg/g, respectively). Radiographic differences could be detected in some rats fed the L and D diets. In the two deficient groups, increased serum Ca was negatively correlated with bone Ca (r = -0.69; P < 0.01). This biochemical association may represent alterations in regulatory control of Ca at the level of the bone (decreased mineralization) combined with an increase in bone resorption. The effect of long-term dietary deficiencies in Mn and Cu should be considered in human bone metabolism.

KEY WORDS: • manganese deficiency • copper deficiency • calcium metabolism • skeletal development • osteopenia • nutritional deficiencies

¹ Supported in part by the Weingart Foundation and the U.S. Public Health Service grant from the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, grant no. AM-12386.

Manuscript received 16 April 1985. Revision accepted 23 September 1985.