Nitrites and L-citrulline levels in copper intrauterine device users
Pradhan, M.; Gupta, I.; Ganguli, N.K.
Contraception 55(5): 315-318
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 9220230 DOI: 10.1016/s0010-7824(97)00037-1Document Number: 267659
Copper ions may enhance the release of reactive oxygen radicals that decrease the release of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNIs), known to have a bactericidal effect. The capability of the Copper-T IUD to generate RNIs was investigated in women seeking IUD insertion at a family planning clinic in Chandigarh, India. A significant decrease in nitric oxide levels was recorded from pre-insertion to 1 week post-insertion. Moreover, the values at 4 weeks' post-insertion were significantly lower than those at 1 week, and the 12 weeks' post-insertion level was lower than that recorded at 4 weeks. Uterine aspirate L-citrulline levels at 1 week post-insertion were significantly lower than pre-insertion levels; again, values at 4 and 12 weeks post-insertion were significantly less than those of the receding levels. There was no significant difference in levels of nitrites or serum L-citrulline before and after IUD insertion. Although the exact mechanism of the decrease in RNI levels at the local site after IUD insertion is unknown, it appears related to the sterile intrauterine milieu. At the peak of copper release, the inflammatory cells are activated to release reactive oxygen radicals. Copper potentiates the effect of superoxide dismutase, which influences the half-life of nitric oxide, but does not prevent its conversion to nitrites and nitrates.