title: The occurrence of silicon-containing particles in calcified lesions of DBA/2NCrj mice.
abstract: The crystalline structure in calcified deposits of DBA/2 mice was analysed, because understanding this is essential in assessing the significance of this species as an animal model for spontaneous soft-tissue mineralization. In order to remove the thin soft tissue which covers the lesion, the samples were bombarded with an argon beam. The uncoated samples were analysed with an electron-probe microanalyser. The deposits were composed of a calcium phosphate material. At a higher magnification, smaller particles surrounding these large deposits were found. There were three types of particles: rod-shaped (calcium phosphate), polygonal (silicate) and round (about 1 microns dia).
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000032:analysis; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000473:pathology*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D009206:Myocardium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012825:Silicon / Q000032:analysis*; D014059:Tongue / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D012825:Silicon