Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of human muscle biopsies

Abstract

The elemental composition of human muscle fibres have been determined by electron probe microanalysis. In order to distinguish between different types of fibres, two approaches were used. In one approach individual fibres were isolated, portions of them used for a typing by histochemical methods and the main part used for X-ray microanalysis. In the other approach the muscle biopsy was serial-sectioned, some sections used for a histochemical typing and the others (16 μm thick cryosections) used for X-ray microanalysis in the electron microscope. The comparison of the ratios between P, S and K in Study No. 1 and 2 indicates different concentrations of sulphur in the subsarcolemmal zone and in the interior of the fibre. Both routes give information on all elements (except the ten lightest ones) contained in the fibres or in sections of them, provided the concentration is high enough. In order to obtain quantitative data, expressed as mmol/kg_dw, the spectra of the specimens were compared to those of standards of known composition and the data subjected to a so called ZAF-correction (corrections for the atomic number effect, absorption of X-rays in the specimen and secondary fluorescence). Quantitative data concerning phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine and potassium were obtained in Study No. 2. A significantly higher sulphur concentration was found in type IIA muscle fibres as compared to those of type I.