Detection, identification and mapping of iron anomalies in brain tissue using X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
This work describes a novel method for the detection, identification and mapping of anomalous iron compounds in mammalian brain tissue using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. We have located and identified individual iron anomalies in an avian tissue model associated with ferritin, biogenic magnetite and haemoglobin with a pixel resolution of less than 5 microm. This technique represents a breakthrough in the study of both intra- and extra-cellular iron compounds in brain tissue. The potential for high-resolution iron mapping using microfocused X-ray beams has direct application to investigations of the location and structural form of iron compounds associated with human neurodegenerative disorders--a problem which has vexed researchers for 50 years.
Mikhaylova
A
A
Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Florida, FL 32611, USA.
Davidson
M
M
Toastmann
H
H
Channell
J E T
JE
Guyodo
Y
Y
Batich
C
C
Dobson
J
J
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D010856:Columbidae; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry
D007501:Iron