Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the elemental composition of the pineal gland of young adults and aged rats.
Fractures of deep-frozen and freeze-dried pineal glands were analysed for elemental composition by means of X-ray microanalysis with a scanning electron microscope. The results from young adults (3 months old) were compared with those from aged animals (24 months old); significant increases in S, Ca, Al, Si, and Fe were observed in aged animals when compared to young adults. There were no significant differences with Na, Mg, Cl, K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, whereas a decrease of P was observed in aged animals when compared to young adults. Whether the changes observed in elemental composition have a direct effect on the activity and production of metalloenzymes and the overall physiology of the pineal gland are discussed.
Humbert
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W
CNRS-URA 1332, Université Louis Pasteur, Laboratoire de Zoologie, Strasbourg, France.
Pévet
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P
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002412:Cations / Q000032:analysis*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D005614:Freeze Fracturing; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D002412:Cations