Effect of Copper-containing Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices on Human Cells in Culture

Abstract

SummaryIntrauterine devices containing copper were introduced into cultures of adult and fetal cells. The Dalkon shield had no apparent effect on cell growth. The Gravigard device caused inhibition of growth and an increase in

Evaluation of endometrial steroid receptors and cell mitotic activity in women using copper intrauterine device: Can Cu‐T prevent endometrial cancer?

“…Most authors have observed sterile chronic endometritis, asynchrony of endometrial maturation and low pyknotic index with a short secretory phase indicating that IUD acts through hormonal changes in the body of uterus 14 . Jones and Gregson found inhibition of cellular growth when copper was introduced in fetal cell culture 15 . It has been proposed by various animal and clinical studies that Cu‐T exerts its effect through structural and biochemical changes in the endometrium exerted by the device and its copper ions 3,16 .…”

Transverse limb reduction and intrauterine device: Case report and review of the literature

“…Inhibition of growth of human cell cultures exposed to copper IUDs has been demonstrated, raising the possibility of teratogenicity of these devices 16 . However, exposure of human embryos to copper IUDs did not result in either malformations or copper aggregates in various organs and placentas 17 .…”

Traffic Light Discoloration in Cremated Bones

“…Copper is an effective fungicide. Jones et al (1973) showed that the copper containing IUCD 'Gravigard' stops growth and causes cell damage when placed in a culture medium with human cells. Hagenfeldt (1972) estimated that the average loss of copper from a copper IUCD was 45 pg/day.…”