New method for quantitative mapping of metallic elements in tissue sections by electron probe microanalyser with wavelength dispersive spectrometers

In this paper, we have proposed a new method that gives quantitative distri butions of metallic elements in a tissue section by electron probe microana lyser equipped with wavelength dispersive spectrometers. Its principal meri t is the clear expression of element distribution with micrometer resolutio n in typically prepared section samples for routine histopathological diagn osis. By analysing thin standard films containing metallic atoms of interes t, it was confirmed that the detection limit is about 1 x 10(6) atoms mum(- 2). This value corresponds to 100 mug g(-1) (dry weight) in case of tissue section of 2 mum thickness. Furthermore, for copper, iron and aluminium, th e exact Linear relationship between the amount of metallic atoms and the ch aracteristic X-ray intensity was established in the range up to 15 x 10(6) atoms mum(-2). The element maps of tissue sections from patients with Wilso n's disease proved that the copper levels in analysed areas were not homoge neous and indicated abnormal accumulation in some portions. These results c onfirmed the usefulness of this method for histopathological diagnosis.