Fig. 2.

Absorption, biodistribution, and excretion of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) and copper microparticles (Cu MPs) following 4 weeks-repeated oral dose. a Systemic absorption of Cu was determined in blood Cu contents. b–g Biodistribution of Cu was determined in liver, kidney, spleen, lung, heart, and brain. The contents of Cu in (h) feces and (i) urine were used to determine excretion of Cu. The bar graphs present Cu contents of Cu NPs- and Cu MPs-treated rats at dose levels of 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively (Cu NPs, black bars; Cu MPs, white bars). Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10). ^{*, **} P < 0.05, P < 0.01 versus vehicle control