Trace elements in human tissue. 1. A semi-quantitative spectrographic survey

Abstract

A method is described for the semlquantitative analysis of some trace elements in human soft tissue and bone, by cathode-layer arc spectrography. Results are presented for the distribution of aluminium, cadmium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, lead and rubidium. Chromium, nickel, silver and titanium were detected infrequently in some organs. Accumulation of some elements in certain organs was observed; relatively high concentrations of Cd in kidney, Cu and Mo in liver and Al in lung were observed regularly. A comparison of the distribution and concentration of certain elements in the tissues of various age groups is presented and discussed. The concentrations of Cd in kidney, Mo in liver, of Cu in brain and of Al in lung increased with age. In contrast the concentration of Cu in liver was shown to decrease rapidly after birth.