Bioimaging TOF-SIMS: High resolution 3D imaging of single cells.
The distribution of phosphocholine ions (m/z 184, m/z 86), sodium ions, and potassium ions in thyroid tumor cells was analyzed by imaging TOF-SIMS. Repeated sputtering with a C(60) (+) source and subsequent analysis with a Bi(3) (+) gun produced a series of 138 images that were stacked to make a 3D display of the chemistry of cells. Phosphocholine was seen in the plasma membrane (m/z 184) and intracellular membranes (m/z 86). The different fragmentation of the phospholipid probably reflects the chemical composition of membranes at these sites. High intensity of secondary ion signals of potassium was seen in membrane-encompassed cellular compartments. The data indicate that potassium ions are compartmentalized in thyroid tumor cells.
Nygren
Håkan
H
Department of Medical Chemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden. hakan.nygren@anatcell.gu.se
Hagenhoff
Birgit
B
Malmberg
Per
P
Nilsson
Mikael
M
Richter
Katrin
K
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007477:Ions / Q000032:analysis*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D010767:Phosphorylcholine / Q000032:analysis*; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis*; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis*
D007477:Ions; D010767:Phosphorylcholine; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium