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.
Department of Medical Chemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden. hakan.nygren@anatcell.gu.se
Håkan
H
Nygren
Birgit
B
Hagenhoff
Per
P
Malmberg
Mikael
M
Nilsson
Katrin
K
Richter
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