Elemental analysis of growth plate cartilage by synchrotron-radiation-induced X-ray emission (SRIXE). |
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Authors: | F Vittur C Tuniz S Paoletti R Rizzo K W Jones |
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Affiliation: | Dipartimento di Biochimica, B.C.M., Università di Trieste, Italy. |
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Abstract: | The elemental composition of growth plate cartilage from calf scapula has been studied by means of SRIXE. X-ray emission spectra were obtained from the resting, hypertrophic and calcified regions of cartilage; then, each element was mapped with a lateral definition of about 10 microns x 10 microns. Evidence was found for a homogeneous distribution of the elements in resting cartilage compared to changes in local concentration of some atoms in the hypertrophic-calcified tissue. In this zone Ca, Sr, Ni, Zn, S, reach the maximal concentration at the calcification front while Cu shows a uniform distribution. A Zn distribution similar to that of the Zn-containing enzyme alkaline phosphatase, the key enzyme of calcification, is found. |
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