Elemental analysis of growth plate cartilage by synchrotron-radiation-induced X-ray emission (SRIXE).
The elemental composition of growth plate cartilage from calf scapula has been studied by means of SRIXE. X-ray emission spectra were obtained from the resting, hypertrophic and calcified regions of cartilage; then, each element was mapped with a lateral definition of about 10 microns x 10 microns. Evidence was found for a homogeneous distribution of the elements in resting cartilage compared to changes in local concentration of some atoms in the hypertrophic-calcified tissue. In this zone Ca, Sr, Ni, Zn, S, reach the maximal concentration at the calcification front while Cu shows a uniform distribution. A Zn distribution similar to that of the Zn-containing enzyme alkaline phosphatase, the key enzyme of calcification, is found.
Vittur
F
F
Dipartimento di Biochimica, B.C.M., Università di Trieste, Italy.
Tuniz
C
C
Paoletti
S
S
Rizzo
R
R
Jones
K W
KW
D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development; D002417:Cattle; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis / Q000379:methods; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000737:chemistry*; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D012540:Scapula / Q000737:chemistry*; D015032:Zinc / Q000032:analysis
D008670:Metals; D015032:Zinc