The non-random distribution of copper within the liver of rats.

1. Two groups of weanling male rats were fed on a powdered proprietary diet for up to 6 weeks. The diet of one group was supplemented with 2 g Cu/kg and the other group received the unsupplemented diet. 2. The livers in the supplemental group accumulated more Cu within the right vascular compartment than the left. This difference was observed in the unsupplemented group after 6 weeks but not at 4 weeks. 3. The distribution of Cu between the different lobes of the livers of the supplemented groups displayed a characteristic pattern, the median lobe containing the most Cu and the omental lobe the least. 4. The distribution of Cu within the liver is thought to reflect the site of its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and a consequence of portal streaming.