Kinetic study of the distribution of stable iodine and radioiodine in the thyroid vesicle and cell using analytical ionic microscopy

Images of the distribution of 127I and 129I have been obtained by means of SIMS, in Mouse thyroid gland, after tracer injection. Profiles analysis performed on 60 microns area express the relative amount of iodine in thyroid vesicles. Isotopic ratio show a large discrepancy from a follicle to an other which is in situ in agreement with the functional heterogeneity of the gland. The interest of the method to study the kinetics of iodine pools is discussed.