Copper deficient rats and mice both develop anemia but only rats have lower plasma and brain iron levels

Iron homeostasis depends on adequate dietary copper but the mechanisms are unknown. Mice (Mus musculus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) offspring were compared to determine the effect of dietary copper deficiency (Cu−) on iron status of plasma, liver, brain and intestine. Holtzman rat and Hsd:ICR (CD-1) outbred albino mouse dams were fed a Cu− diet and drank deionized water or Cu supplemented water. Offspring were sampled at time points between...