Ceruloplasmin and copper in the serum of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

The serum level of ceruloplasmin and copper were determined in 14 patients with ALS, 9 with Wilson's disease and 10 with other brain diseases. The enzyme level in 8 patients with ALS (57%) was decreased, similarly as in 8 with Wilson's disease (89%), and 2 (20%) in the control group. The mean ceruloplasmin level in the group of patients with Wilson's disease was 50% that in ALS patients. The copper level was decreased in only 1 ALS patient and 1 in the control group, while in patients with Wilson's disease it was low in 8 cases. These changes may be an effect as well as a cause of motor neuron disease.