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Effect of Copper on the Preimplantation Mouse Embryo

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Abstract

COPPER wire wound around a portion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) greatly increases the effectiveness of the device1—the pregnancy rate, side effects, and expulsions are all decreased. These effects are related to the amount of wire present on the device in the uterus2. Although the exact mechanism by which the copper wire acts is not known, the effect is local, and there is evidence that the copper changes the endometrium. Another possible site of action of the copper is on the developing embryo within the uterus. Chang and Tatum3 demonstrated that blastocysts, briefly exposed to copper wire in utero, were able to develop when placed in normal uteri. Another study4, however, indicated that the blastocysts in copper-containing uteri disappear before implantation.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104

    R. L. BRINSTER & P. C. CROSS

Authors
  1. R. L. BRINSTER
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  2. P. C. CROSS
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BRINSTER, R., CROSS, P. Effect of Copper on the Preimplantation Mouse Embryo. Nature 238, 398–399 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/238398a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/238398a0

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