Use of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis to Determine Concentrations of Multiple Trace Elements in Human Organs

Inasmuch as the availability of suitable analytical specimens may be limited, the defining of normal concentrations or ranges of trace elements in human organs is problematic. Little is known about whether various parts of an organ, or of bilateral organs, differ in their concentrations of trace elements. In this study, the authors determined the distribution of trace elements in different portions of human organs, and between the right and left lung and kidney, with instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). By setting the variance limit at less than 20%, they determined that trace elements were similar in 7 of the 9 organs tested (the exceptions being kidney and lung). Trace element concentrations found in the right lung were very different from those found in the left lung. Some trace elements varied in concentration according to the part or laterality of the organ tested.     

铜染毒白兔血液及组织器官微量元素分布情况的研究

系统研究了铜染毒对大耳白兔的生长情况及血液、组织器官中微量元素分布情况的影响。实验分为空白组和染毒组,每日清晨在染毒组动物水源中加入40mg的铜,连续饲喂7周。结果表明,染毒组动物体重明显下降,两组动物体重增长率呈交替上升。染毒组动物血液及各组织器官中铜含量明显上升,其中肝脏、肠、肾脏和血清中呈极显著性变化,由于元素交互作用影响,锌、铬、锰和硒等其他微量元素也发生明显改变。因此,单一元素染毒将引起生命体内整个微量元素系统的变化。     

青海地区泡型肝包虫病多脏器转移的磁共振成象诊断与鉴别

目的 探讨青海地区泡型肝包虫病合并多脏器转移的磁共振成象(MRI)表现特点及鉴别诊断.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月～2012年1月某院收治的100例经手术后病理检查确诊为泡型肝包虫病患者的临床及影像学资料,总结分析泡型肝包虫病脑、肺、肾等部位转移的MRI特点.结果 ①本组100例泡型肝包虫病患者中,其中位于左叶者占27.0％ (27/100),位于右叶者占57.0％ (57/100),左右叶均受累者占16.0％ (16/100),位于右叶者所占比例高于左叶和两叶均受累者,比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).②100例患者中并发脑转移13例(13.0％),双肺转移17例(17.0％),脑和双肺转移19例(19.0％),脑和肾转移15例(15.0％)以及脑、肺、肾等多脏器转移者11例(11.0％),各部位所占比例比较差异无统计学意义(P＞ 0.05).结论 MRI检查可显示泡型肝包虫的数目、大小和形态、囊壁、子囊、钙化以及与周边器官的的解剖关系,还可以提示病程变化,有助于临床鉴别诊断.     

Distribution of 24 Elements in the Internal Organs of Normal Males and the Metallic Workers in Japan

Concentrations of 24 elements in the internal organs from 12 healthy males and from 7 metallic workers in Japan were recorded. Markedly high concentrations of chromium were found in the respiratory organs (e.g., hilar lymph node and lung) of chromium plating and chromate refining workers, as well as in spleen, liver, kidney, and heart High chromium concentrations were also found in one male who had terminated his employment 30 years prior to his death. In addition, high concentrations of nickel and tin were also found in the above-mentioned workers. Marked accumulations of titanium, the main element of paints, were found in the respiratory organs, spleen, liver, kidney, and heart of an airplane painter. The painter also had high concentrations of chromium, nickel, and cobalt in some of his organs. It was also noted that high concentrations of silicon, aluminum, and titanium—elements of rock—occurred in a stone mason.     

二氯乙烷对小鼠DNA损伤的器官特异性及时效关系研究

为了研究 1,2 二氯乙烷 (DCE)的遗传毒性、探测其致癌的靶器官 ,应用组织匀浆提取细胞核进行彗星试验 ,检测了DCE灌胃染毒 3、8、2 4h后对小鼠肝、肺、肾、脾、骨髓、睾丸、胃、肠、膀胱和外周血淋巴细胞的DNA损伤作用及修复动力学改变。实验结果 :1)DCE在小鼠体内遗传毒性的靶器官是肝、肺、肾、骨髓、结肠及胃粘膜细胞和外周血淋巴细胞 ;2 )DNA损伤和修复的动力学改变在器官间存在较大的差异 ,DNA损伤明显且修复较慢的器官或组织 (肺、胃和血液系统 )与其致癌的靶器官有较好的一致性。提示 :体内多器官的彗星试验对确定体内遗传毒性和预测致癌的靶器官是非常有用的 ;对暴露DCE的生物和人群 ,外周血淋巴细胞在彗星试验的拖尾 ,可作为体内DNA损伤效应的生物标志。     

二氧化硫吸入对小鼠9种脏器GSH和GSH/GSSG的影响

为研究二氧化硫 (SO2 )吸入后小鼠多种脏器内抗氧化物质谷胱甘肽 (GSH)和抗氧化系统GSH GSSG(GSSG为氧化型谷胱甘肽 )的变化 ,采用SO2 动态吸入染毒技术 ,使昆明小鼠吸入不同浓度SO2 后 ,用分光光度法测定不同脏器GSH含量 ,并计算GSH GSSG比值。结果表明 :(1)在SO2 浓度为 2 2mg m3时 ,雌、雄鼠所试脏器GSH水平和GSH GSSG均无显著变化 ;(2 )在SO2 浓度为 64mg m3时 ,雌鼠GSH水平和GSH GSSG变化不大 ,而雄鼠肺、肾、脑、胃、睾丸中GSH水平显著降低 ;(3 )在SO2 浓度为 148mg m3时 ,雌、雄鼠各脏器GSH水平和GSH GSSG均有下降 ,其中GSH在雄鼠肝、肺、肾、心、脑、胃、小肠、睾丸和雌鼠肝、肺、肾、小肠中下降显著 ,GSH GSSG在雄鼠肝、肾、小肠、睾丸和雌鼠肝、肺、肾、脑、胃、小肠中下降显著。以上结果说明一定浓度的SO2 吸入不仅影响小鼠呼吸器官 ,而且对多种脏器都有作用 ,同时显示雌、雄小鼠对SO2 的敏感性不同。GSH含量减少和GSH GSSG下降提示SO2 的毒作用与其降低体内抗氧化物质水平、削弱体内抗氧化防御系统有关     

Trace elements in little egrets and flamingos of Camargue, France

Trace elements (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, Zn) were measured in nine organs (liver, kidney, breast muscle, lungs, breastbone, stomach, gizzard, spleen, feathers) of several specimens of Greater Flamingos (Phaenicopterus ruber (Pallas] and Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta (L.] from the Camargue, in the Rh?ne river delta. In both species, individual fluctuations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Se levels were important in all organs, whereas Zn and Cu, essential metals, exhibited only moderate variations. The organotropism of trace elements supports the hypothesis that major routes of contamination would be both nutritional and aerial for flamingos, and prevailingly alimentary for egrets. In both species we found the highest levels in liver and kidney, with the exception of lead, the highest levels of which were found in breastbone and feathers. Our study indicates that trace element concentrations in flamingos and egrets are higher than or equivalent to those reported in the literature for birds living in polluted areas. Because the Camargue is a unique area in western Europe it would be of interest to develop more studies to evaluate the impact of surrounding human activities on this Biosphere Reserve.     

Distribution of 14 Elements in Tissues and Organs of Oceanic Seabirds

The concentrations of 14 trace elements (Li, V, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Pb, and Hg) were determined in tissues and organs of three species and in the liver of 11 species of seabirds. Comparatively high concentrations of Li, Co, Sr, and V were found in the femur. Cd, Se, Cu, and Mn concentrations were relatively higher in the kidney than in other tissues and organs. Rb, Cs, and Pb concentrations were rather uniform among tissues. Concentrations of essential elements such as Mn, Cu, and Co were comparable among seabird species, except high Cu concentrations in northern giant petrel. Among nonessential elements, concentrations of Cd and Hg were variable according to seabird species. Pb levels were low in all the species. High Se levels (100 μg/g dry weight) were found in the liver of black-footed albatross and grey petrel. There were significant positive correlations between Se and Cd concentrations in three species and between Se and Hg in black-footed albatross, suggesting that Se has an antagonistic action on the toxic effects of Cd and Hg. Concentrations of Li, V, Ag, and Cs were usually low (less than 1 μg/g dry weight). Received: 30 October 1997/Accepted: 17 May 1998     

Cadmium Accumulation and Distribution in Slaughtered Horse Kidneys from the Argentine Central Region

In this paper we report the results of surveys conducted in Argentina between 1997 and 1998 to know the Cd concentrations in kidney from horses of different age, sex, and origin. Cd in renal cortex and medulla was positively correlated, and higher concentrations in the cortex were found. No significant differences between values from left and right kidneys of the same animal were found. An increase in Cd levels with age of animals were observed, and no sex incidence was verified in renal Cd composition. No detectable residues were found in the fetuses tested. Levels observed in Argentine equines (n = 102) ranged from 4.3 to 83.8 μg Cd/g in kidney cortex, lower than those reported by other authors but higher than the action levels proposed by Argentine meat tissue species regulations. Therefore, the study remarks on the convenience of monitoring Cd in Argentine equines and gives relevant information for regulatory purposes to consider the limitation in the use of horse kidney as food for either human or animals. Received: 11 May 2000/Accepted: 2 January 2001     

Trace-element concentrations in blood samples from welders of stainless steel or aluminium and a reference group

The concentrations of 17 trace elements (e.g., copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, chromium, silicon and magnesium) were determined in whole blood samples of 81 persons working with different welding methods on stainless steel or aluminium and 68 nonwelders. Inorganic spark source mass spectrometry was used for the chemical analyses. The data were analyzed by the SIMCA method for pattern recognition (discriminant analysis). No differences were found between the five groups, either in the average levels of the trace elements or in the correlation structures between the trace elements. Thus no blood concentration data on the analyzed elements and collected from a single person contained any information with respect to exposure to the welding fumes investigated.     

Supplementation of essential trace elements during total parenteral nutrition--effects on trace element-deficient rats

Thirty-one male SD rats, six weeks old, were fed a trace element-deficient diet for two weeks and then divided into three groups and maintained for 1 week as follows: group A with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) without supplementation of trace elements, group B with TPN supplemented with the following 5 trace elements ... iron, zinc, copper, manganese and iodine, and group C with a diet free of the above five trace elements. Another group of eight rats was fed a diet supplemented with the above five trace elements for three weeks as a control (group D). Feeding or TPN without supplementation of trace elements evoked microcytic hypochromic anemia and significant decreases in iron concentrations in plasma and tissues (groups A and C). Supplementation of trace elements in the TPN solution showed a tendency to cure anemia and a significant increase in the iron concentration in tibia (group B). Decreases in the zinc or copper concentrations in plasma and tissues during TPN without trace elements were prevented by supplementation of trace elements in the TPN solution (group B). The plasma zinc and copper concentrations correlated well with their levels in liver, kidney and tibia. Manganese deficiency was not recognized in this investigation (groups A and C), though supplementation of trace elements in the TPN solution increased tissue manganese concentration (group B). Feeding or TPN without supplementation of trace elements induced decreases in plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine (groups A and C). Supplementation of trace elements in the TPN solution showed a tendency to increase plasma thyroxine (group B).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Environmental Impact of Trace Element Emissions from Geothermal Power Plants

Concentrations of several trace elements were determined in mosses, higher plants and organs of small mammals from a geothermal area in Tuscany (central Italy). Increased deposition of Hg, As, B, and Sb was detected in biological samples collected within a few hundred meters of geothermal power plants. Among the species considered, the moss Hypnum cupressiforme was the most efficient accumulator of trace elements. Contamination levels in a fodder-plant (Hedysarum coronarium) and vegetables grown in the geothermal field did not seem to pose health risks for consumers. However, a statistically significant increase in Hg, B, and As concentrations was found in the kidney and muscle of small mammals living close to geothermal installations. Biological effects of B pollution were detected in two sensitive plant species. In view of plans to increase the exploitation of geothermal resources in the area, adequate measures to monitor the environment should be taken. Mosses are the most suitable accumulative biomonitors for a surveillance network, and studies on small mammal populations should be intensified. Available technologies should be used to diminish atmospheric emissions from geothermal power plants. Received: 12 December 1996/Revised: 27 March 1997     

Assessment of essential and toxic elements in some kinds of vegetables

Vegetables provide the human body with the essential bioavailable trace elements, and a constant supply of these various elements is necessary and highly recommended for daily life. Minor elements such as Ca, Fe, K, Mg, and Na as well as trace elements such as Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer in 12 different species of vegetables from Saudi Arabia (the Al-Taif district). These vegetables were cucumber, vegetable marrow, tomato, potato, green pepper, eggplant, carrots, parsley, lettuce, spinach, salq, onion, leek, watercress, and cabbage. The results reveal that the different element concentrations of each vegetable depend upon the selective uptake of the elements by the plant. Salq and watercress exhibited higher element concentrations than the other vegetables. Cluster analysis, principle component analysis, and transfer factor analysis of elements from soil to plant were applied to the elements database and produced good interpretations of the data. The element concentrations of these vegetables were within safety baseline levels for human consumption.     

嚼槟榔致口腔粘膜下纤维性变与微量元素关系的研究

<正> 口腔粘膜下纤维性变,简称O.S.F,是由于粘膜层纤维组织变性,上皮组织萎缩,引起口腔粘膜发硬,为癌前状态的慢性口腔疾病,最后可引起开口困难、语言和吞食障碍。该病主要流行于东南亚各国及我国台湾、湖南等地。近年来调查证实嚼槟榔是引起本病的主要原因。我们对湖南湘潭地区部分O.S.F患者进行了混合唾液、槟榔中的锌、铜、铁、钙、铅、镉、镍、锰等微量元素测定,并对无嚼槟榔习惯者嚼槟榔前后口腔唾液进行了pH测定,以了解嚼槟榔致O.S.F与微量元素、pH的关系。     

Regional Variation in As, Cu, Hg, and Se and Interaction between Them

A comparative survey of trace elements in hair samples from three different regions of the world was carried out. The concentrations of the same trace elements in tissues from infants and adults from Glasgow are also presented. It was found that the Se levels in hair samples from Iceland are significantly lower than the levels found for the Glasgow area. The level of Hg was in the same range as that for the Glasgow area and the As level is much lower in Iceland. Comparison of the levels of Hg, As, and Se in hair samples from Iran and Glasgow revealed significantly lower levels of these trace elements in samples from Iran, but the Cu levels were similar. Comparison of adult and infant levels of Se and Cu revealed fetal storage of Cu in the livers of infants. Arsenic levels were higher in adult tissues. In the study of the interaction among trace elements in human tissues, a positive correlation between Hg and Cu in liver samples from the Glasgow area and hair samples from Iran was found. A positive correlation between Se and As was also found in spleen and lung tissues.     

人发微量、宏量元素与血压和脑卒中关系的探讨

本研究使用中子活化测定方法分析对比了我国不同地区三个人群头发中微量元素及宏量元素与血压和脑卒中的关系.结果表明发镧、锌、锰、铜及钙、镁含量在人群间有显著性差异.发镧与血压水平呈正相关,而必需微量元素锌、锰与血压呈负相关.提示镧系元素,尤其镧在人发中和体内含量过高可能与血压升高有关,而锌、锰及宏量元素钙、镁、钾可能是预防血压升高及脑卒中的保护因素.     

Concentrations of Trace Elements in Tissues of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Stone Marten (Martes foina) from Suburban and Rural Areas in Croatia

Trace elements concentrations (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg) were determined in the liver, kidney and muscle of 28 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and 16 stone marten (Martes foina) from suburban and rural habitats from Croatia. Rural and suburban habitats affected Cd and Hg levels in the muscle, liver and kidney of red fox. Significant differences in metal concentrations in the muscle, liver and kidney were detected among species. Suburban stone marten accumulated the highest levels of trace elements (mg/kg w.w.): in muscle 0.019 for Hg; in liver 0.161 for Cd, 36.1 for Cu and 0.349 for Pb; in kidney 1.34 for Cd and 0.318 for Pb. Values observed were higher than those found in suburban red fox and therefore, may represent an important bioindicator for the accumulation of toxic metals in urbanized habitats.     

高良姜不同部位无机元素含量及其溶出率的研究

用等离子体发射光谱法（ＩＣＰ）对高良姜根、茎、叶及其水煎液无机元素含量进行测定，在根、茎、叶中共有的１７种元素中，大多数元素的含量分布是根＜茎＜叶，各元素在水煎液中的溶出率相差较大。Ｚｎ和Ｍｎ两种人体必需微量元素含量丰富。     

Metal interactions within the kidney,gill, and digestive gland of the clam,Mercenaria mercenaria,following laboratory exposure to cadmium

Mercenaria mercenaria were exposed to 0.1 g Cd/ml seawater (¹⁰⁹Cd + stable carrier) for either (1) periods of 1 hr to 31 days, or (2) a period of 3 days followed by depuration in clean seawater for 2 to 64 days. Cd accumulated at increasing rates in the kidney, but at decreasing rates in all other organs of the clam during the laboratory exposure period. Measurement of total Cd levels confirmed that¹⁰⁹Cd was accumulated by the clam tissues and not simply exchanged. The overall rate of Cd accumulation was significantly greater (P < 0.05) for the kidney than for the gill, mantle, digestive gland, pericardial gland, adductor, or remaining viscera, but not significantly different among the other organs (P > 0.05). No loss of Cd or other detectable metals occurred even after 64 days depuration. The degree to which Cd accumulated in the kidney, gill, and digestive gland did not correlate with the concentrations of other metals already present in these organs (except with Zn in the digestive gland). Negative correlations between different metal concentrations were never observed. Comparison of metal interaction patterns between the kidney, gill, and digestive gland indicates that each organ relies on different mechanisms for sequestering metals.     

Species and Organ Dependence of PCB Contamination in Fish, Foxes, Roe Deer, and Humans

According to previous experimental results, PCBs are deposited in muscle fat in animals and in humans, although they also reach the brain, the liver, and the lungs. The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of the so-called “indicator PCBs” (PCB nos. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180), as described by the German ordinance for maximum concentrations of contaminants in foodstuffs, in muscle tissue, liver, and brain of four different species: fish, fox, roe deer, and humans, all exposed to PCBs directly in their environment. Potential target organs for the accumulation of these congeners were also to be identified. Furthermore, the organs or tissues were to be identified in which PCBs are accumulated, and unusual patterns of accumulation or breakdown of particular PCBs, for example the “dioxin-like PCBs” (coplanar PCBs) determined. For humans, the lungs were also included in these studies. Statistical comparison of PCB concentrations in samples from wild animals and humans showed that in spite of its relatively high fat concentration, brain tissue in all of the species examined (with the exception of fish) appeared to be better protected against accumulation of PCB than liver or muscle tissue. This protection may be the result of the blood-brain barrier, as witnessed by the relatively uniform concentration of PCBs throughout the various organs of fish, since the blood-brain barrier of fish is considerably less efficient than that of mammals. No peculiarities were found in regard to distribution of the coplanar PCBs over the other congeners in this study. This applies to the brain and other organs or tissues of the four species that were examined. Accumulations of PCBs and coplanar PCBs in the liver were only found in fox and roe deer. In contrast, humans were found to have accumulations of the high-chlorinated biphenyls studied here as well as PCB no. 118 in muscle tissue fat and not in the liver. Unexpectedly, low-chlorinated biphenyls were found to accumulate in the human lung. The results of this study show that the lung represents a target organ for the accumulation of potentially metabolically activated low-chlorinated biphenyls, indicating that the possible biological effects of PCBs on the lungs will need to receive more attention in the future. Received: 16 January 1998/Accepted: 27 May 1998