ERYTHROCYTE COPPER LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH TRISOMY 21

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Abstract
Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase is a cuproprotein displaying increased activity in cases of trisomy 21. The 3 erythrocyte Cu fractions were compared at constant serum Cu levels in children with and without trisomy 21. The labile erythrocyte Cu level was identical in both groups of children. Total erythrocyte Cu, especially the stable fraction, was increased in trisomy 21. The approximately 50% observed increase correlates with the augmented superoxide dismutase activity related to the presence of an extra chromosome 21. Measurement of the stable erythrocyte Cu fraction could constitute an indirect method for evaluating superoxide dismutase activity.