The localizations of metallothionein I and II (MT), a small molecular weight heavy metal binding proteins, and 70-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) were investigated by immunohistochemical techniques in brains of lambs that had been injured by congenital copper deficiency. The results were compared with those obtained from control lambs. The morphological findings of the congenital copper deficiency in the central nervous system (CNS) were recorded. The amount of copper in the brain and liver of the lambs and feed of breeding ewes and soil was also assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The amount of copper in the brain, liver, soil and feed were low. Immunohistochemically, MT and Hsp70 expressions were found to be markedly increased in the CNS of congenital copper deficient lambs compared with control lambs. MT immunoreactivity was prominently found in the astrocytes while strong Hsp70 labelling was in both astrocytes and neurons in the cerebrum, cerebellum, thalamus/hypothalamus and medulla oblongata. Immunohistochemical labelling for both MT and Hsp70 was also seen in the pia mater, ependymal cells and choroid plexi. Present results suggest that the elevated expressions of MT and Hsp70 in astrocytes and neurons are possibly indicating that they are less susceptible to the consequences of cell stress factors and could be exploited to increase selectively their survival in copper deficiency.
Copper is essential for the growth and development of plants. This micronutrient affects chlorophyll content, photosynthesis process and water relations in the plant. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of copper deficiency in soil on the rate of photosynthesis and transpiration, water use efficiency, leaf greenness and the yield of selected cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.). During the growing season, the rate of photosynthesis and transpiration was measured using a LI-COR 6400 gas analyzer (Portable Photosynthesis System), and leaf greenness was estimated with a Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter. Water use efficiency (WUE) was calculated based on instantaneous values of photosynthesis and transpiration. Dry matter yield was determined by green matter drying to constant weight at 105oC. The results of the study indicate that copper deficiency significantly decreased the rate of photosynthesis and transpiration, chlorophyll concentration in leaves and the yield of all investigated cultivars. Perennial ryegrass cv. Maja was found to be most resistant to copper deficiency – it was characterized by a high rate of photosynthesis and transpiration, and by the highest chlorophyll content. The yield of cv. Maja attained under copper deficit conditions was comparable to that of other cultivars grown under control conditions.