ACCELERATOR MASS-SPECTROMETRY IN BIOMEDICAL-RESEARCH

Biological effects occur in natural systems at chemical concentrations of parts per billion (1:10(9)) or less. Affected biomolecules may be separable in only milligram or microgram quantities. Quantification at attomole sensitivity is needed to study these interactions. AMS measu res isotope concentrations to parts per 10(13-15) on milligram-sized s amples and is ideal for quantifying long-lived radioisotopic labels fo r tracing biochemical pathways in natural systems. C-14-AMS has now be en coupled to a variety of organic separation and definition technolog ies. Our primary research investigates pharmacokinetics and genotoxici ties of toxins and drugs at very low doses. Human subjects research us ing AMS includes nutrition, toxicity and elemental balance studies. H- 3, Ca-41 and Al-26 are also traced by AMS for fundamental biochemical kinetic research. Expansion of biomedical AMS awaits further developme nt of biochemical and accelerator technologies designed specifically f or these applications.