Liver copper and serum ceruloplasmin concentrations in hyperketonemic pregnant ewes

This study has accomplished due to evaluate the effect of induction of subclinical pregnancy toxemia (PT) and subsequent hyperketonemia in ewes on serum ceruloplasmin and liver copper concentrations. The experiment was performed on five pregnant native ewes aged 3-4 years, 45-50 kg weight with BCS of 3.5-4 on a 0-5 scale. The pregnancy of these ewes were confirmed with ultrasound examination. Blood and biopsy samples were taken from the jugular vein and 12th ICS, respectively before the induction of subclinical pregnancy toxemia by food deprivation and after that (serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations>0.8mmol/l) when ewes suffering subclinical PT. Serum BHBA concentrations of ewes after induction of subclinical PT were significantly higher than before the induction (P<0.01). Serum glucose concentrations of induced hyperketonemic ewes were significantly lower than before the induction of hyperketonemia (P<0.01). Serum ceruloplasmin concentrations of ewes after the induction of subclinical PT were significantly higher than before the induction (P<0.01), but liver copper concentrations showed significant decrease after the induction of subclinical PT (P<0.05). It is concluded that circumstances such as hyperketonemia, can increase ceruloplasmin concentrations and decrease liver copper concentrations. Although evaluation of serum ceruloplasmin concentrations in ewes is a routine procedure for estimation of copper status, its levels should be evaluated with caution during late pregnancy.