Positive Health Online

Abstract

POLACK and colleagues, Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA investigated the levels of trace minerals in the spinal cords of horses with equine motor neuron disease (EMND) in comparison with horses without neurological disease.

Background

Methodology

The study included 24 horses with EMND and 22 control horses. Trace mineral concentrations in the spinal cords of the horses were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, flameless atomic absorption, or fluorimetry, depending on the particular trace minerals.

Results

Horses with EMND had significantly higher levels of copper in their spinal cords compared with control horses. Levels of all other trace minerals analyzed (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, aluminum, cobalt, chromium, lead, cadmium, mercury, and selenium) were similar in EMND and control horses.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that copper may be involved in the pathogenesis of EMND . One hypothesis is that this disease involves oxidative injury ; this is supported by the findings in the present study of increased copper levels in the spinal cord and by reports from other researchers of low vitamin E concentrations.

References

Polack EW et al. Concentrations of trace minerals in the spinal cord of horses with equine motor neuron disease. American Journal of Veterinary Research 61 (6): 609-11. Jun 2000.

Comment

The above results regarding the clinical importance of vitamin and mineral concentrations, particularly the potential implication of copper in equine motor neurone disease, and supplement use by female physicians in the US, as well as the effective activity of antioxidants such as vitamin C and grapeseed extract, appear to be significant and ought to be followed up.