Effect of tetrathiomolybdate administration on the excretion of copper, zinc, iron and molybdenum in sheep bile.

The copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) excreted daily in the bile of three sheep were estimated at 0.20, 0.10 and 0.36 mg respectively. Intravenous administration of tetrathiomolybdate (TM) increased bile Cu excretion and reduced liver Cu concentration. Tetrathiomolybdate had no significant effect on the excretion of Zn and Fe. These findings indicate that at least one of the mechanisms by which TM induces hypocuprosis is by increasing biliary Cu excretion. Hence it has a possible use in the treatment of Cu storage diseases in man and animals.