The distribution of trace metal ions in bone and tendon

The natural trace metal compositions of human bone mineral and demineralized bone were measured by emission spectroscopy and compared with those of the original whole bone and human tendon. Cu, Fe and Zn remained in the collagenous matrix of bone and were found in similar quantities in tendon. It is suggested, therefore, that these ions are chemically bound to the collagen matrix in these tissuesin vivo, and that the binding has a part in their activity. Most of the Pb, Si, Sr, and V in bone remained with the mineral portion, probably as substituted or interstitial ions. Zn is divided between the organic and mineral phases.This work was supported in part by Grant No. AMO 7626, National Institutes of Health, United States Public Health Service and by the Veterans Administration Research Service.