A reappraisal of the anti-inflammatory activity of copper.

The copper complex of histidine reduced the dextran and carrageenan reactions in rats, inhibited the erythema produced in the skin by exposure to ultraviolet light, and decreased the severity of established arthritis. However, it was particularly effective only when given systematically, and irritancy was not a factor involved. The anti-inflammatory activity of copper histidine resides in the copper moiety as histidine, in excess of equivalent doses, was mostly without effect.