title: Application of photoelectron spectromicroscopy to a systematic study of toxic and natural elements in neurons.
abstract: A systematic photoelectron spectromicroscopy study is presented of the spatial distribution of a toxic element, aluminium, iron or chromium, in neuron cultures, after exposure to a solution of the element. The study was performed by the X-ray secondary-emission microscopy (XSEM) version of photoelectron Spectromicroscopy. The distribution of the elements was investigated with two complementary approaches: digital subtraction imaging and individual X-ray absorption spectra from microscopic areas. The results coherently indicate different localization patterns for different elements, and, in particular, extreme localization of aluminium to a few rare cells identifiable as Purkinje neurons. In the case of iron-exposed specimens, the distribution analysis was extended to naturally present phosphorus, and used to estimate the XSEM sensitivity.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Stasio
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dunham
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Tonner
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mercanti
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Ciotti
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perfetti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Margaritondo