Influence of Copper Deficit on Structural and Metabolic Features of Myocardium of Rats in Conditions of Thyroid Hypofunction

The research was carried on 60 rats, which were divided into two experimental groups—animals with thyroid hypofunction against iodine deficiency and on the background of combined iodine and copper deficit. The control group included 30 intact rats. For evaluation of copper balance its content was determined in erythrocyte mass and myocardium. Prooxidant-antioxidant system was examined by the level of peroxide oxidation of proteins and lipids and due to the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Structural features of the myocardium were examined by light-optical microscopy with subsequent morphometry. In the result of the experiment in rats with thyroid hypofunction on the background of combined iodine and copper deficit the redistribution of copper content in the studied tissues was established (accumulation in blood). The results of the study confirm the activation of oxygen-dependent processes in the myocardium of experimental animals, primarily due to peroxide oxidation of proteins, which is especially manifested in the context of combined iodine and copper deficiency. Metabolic changes in the myocardium were confirmed by histology. So, the development of thyroid hypofunction on the background of combined iodine and copper deficiency increases the probability of cardiovascular pathology due to disorders of prooxidant-antioxidant balance and structural changes in the myocardium.