# Copper Overload Increased Rat Striatal Levels of Both Dopamine and Its Main Metabolite Homovanillic Acid in Extracellular Fluid

## TL;DR

Excess copper in rats increases dopamine and its metabolite in the brain, which may explain neurological issues in copper-related diseases.

## Contribution

This study shows copper overload specifically elevates dopamine and homovanillic acid in rat striatum extracellular fluid.

## Key findings

- Copper overload increased dopamine levels by 310% after 15 days and 358% after 30 days.
- Homovanillic acid levels rose by 351% after 15 days and 402% after 30 days.
- No significant changes were observed in 5-HIAA, DOPAC, or noradrenaline levels.

## Abstract

Copper is a trace element whose electronic configuration provides it with essential structural and catalytic functions. However, in excess, both its high protein affinity and redox-catalyzing properties can lead to hazardous consequences. In addition to promoting oxidative stress, copper is gaining interest for its effects on neurotransmission through modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic receptors and interaction with the dopamine reuptake transporter. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of copper overexposure on the levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, or their main metabolites in rat’s striatum extracellular fluid. Copper was injected intraperitoneally using our previously developed model, which ensured striatal overconcentration (2 mg CuCl2/kg for 30 days). Subsequently, extracellular fluid was collected by microdialysis on days 0, 15, and 30. Dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and noradrenaline (NA) levels were then determined by HPLC coupled with electrochemical detection. We observed a significant increase in the basal levels of DA and HVA after 15 days of treatment (310% and 351%), which was maintained after 30 days (358% and 402%), with no significant changes in the concentrations of 5-HIAA, DOPAC, and NA. Copper overload led to a marked increase in synaptic DA concentration, which could contribute to the psychoneurological alterations and the increased oxidative toxicity observed in Wilson’s disease and other copper dysregulation states.