Copper inhibits pressor responses to noradrenaline but not potassium. Interactions with prostaglandins E1, E2, and I2 and penicillamine

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Abstract
Low concentrations of Cu inhibited responses to norepinephrine and angiotensin (IC50 [median inhibitory concentration dosage] 3 .times. 10-6 M) but not to K in rat mesenteric vascular preparations perfused either with buffer or indomethacin and prostaglandin (PGE2). The dose-response curve was not shifted by indomethacin, imidazole or PGE2 but was moved to the right by 2.8 .times. 10-11 M PGE1 and to the left by 2.8 .times. 10-7 M PGE1. These effects of Cu are similar to the effects of PGI2 in the preparation. Cu moved the PGE2 dose-response curve against noradrenaline in parallel to the left, suggesting that the 2 were interacting at some point. Penicillamine, which may stimulate PGE1 synthesis, had PGE1-like interactions with the Cu effect, suggesting that its value in Wilson''s disease may be partly due to antagonism of the biological action of Cu and Cu-chelating properties.