In vivo measurement of bone aluminium: recent developments.
A biomarker of aluminium accumulation in the human body can play a valuable role in determining health effects of chronic aluminium exposure, complementing other human and environmental monitoring data. In vivo neutron activation provides such a non-invasive biomarker. To date, the best in vivo neutron activation system used thermalised neutrons from a nuclear reactor at Brookhaven National Laboratory, which suffered only slightly from interference from other elements, primarily phosphorus, and from the disadvantage of restricted accessibility. At McMaster, we use a nuclear reaction on an accelerator to select neutron energy, which eliminates the interferences. Spectral decomposition analysis improved sensitivity. A new 4pi detection system also enhanced sensitivity. Together these improvements yield a minimum detection limit of 0.24 mgAl in a hand, slightly better than at Brookhaven and equivalent to "normal" levels. Further improvements should result from a new irradiation cavity and from using a higher proton current on the accelerator to shorten irradiation times. The system is now ready for pilot human studies.
Pejović-Milić
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Ryerson University, Toronto, Ont., Canada, M5B 2K3.
Byun
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Comsa
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McNeill
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Prestwich
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Chettle
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DR
D000535:Aluminum / Q000032:analysis*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D009501:Neutron Activation Analysis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000535:Aluminum