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Predictive values of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase for the hepatic accumulation of copper in cattle and buffalo

Correspondence: ¹Corresponding Author: Enrico L. Ortolani, Av. Prof. Orlando M. de Paiva, 87, Departamento de Clínica Médica, sala 28, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil. ortolani{at}usp.br

Ten cattle and 10 buffalo were divided into 2 groups (control [n = 8] and experimental [n = 12] that received daily administration of copper. Three hepatic biopsies and blood samples were performed on days 0, 45, and 105. The concentration of hepatic copper was determined by spectrophotometric atomic absorption, and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were analyzed. Regression analyses were done to verify the possible existing relationship between enzymatic activity and concentration of hepatic copper. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were determined. The serum activities of AST and GGT had coefficients of determination that were excellent predictive indicators of hepatic copper accumulation in cattle, while only GGT serum activity was predictive of hepatic copper accumulation in buffalo. Elevated serum GGT activity may be indicative of increased concentrations of hepatic copper even in cattle and buffalo that appear to be clinically healthy. Thus, prophylactic measures can be implemented to prevent the onset of a hemolytic crisis that is characteristic of copper intoxication.

Key Words: Aspartate aminotransferase • buffalo • cattle • copper poisoning • diagnosis • gamma-glutamyl transferase