Influence of fixation procedures on the microanalysis of lead-induced intranuclear inclusions in rat kidney

Journal Article · Wed Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1990 · Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/38.3.2154517· OSTI ID:6936529

Vandeputte, D F; Jacob, W A; Van Grieken, R E ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Antwerp, Antwerp-Wilrijk (Belgium)

Using Laser Microprobe Mass Analysis (LAMMA), we studied the chemical composition of lead-induced intranuclear inclusions in rat kidney tissue prepared by three different wet chemical fixation procedures for transmission electron microscopy. Fixation with glutaraldehyde-Na2S gave the same results as fixation with glutaraldehyde only: a high lead concentration could be detected. Therefore, for lead strongly bound to proteins, precipitation procedures are not essential. Post-fixation with osmium tetroxide drastically changed the composition of the inclusions: the lead concentration decreased substantially, while sodium, calcium, and barium were introduced. The osmium tetroxide fixative was found to be the source of the contamination. It also contained aluminum, and we suggest that other proteins (e.g., in neurofibrillary tangles) might be able to take up Al out of solution and that care must be exercised in interpreting the microanalytical results of osmium-fixed material. For the microanalysis of the lead inclusions, fixation with glutaraldehyde only provides a good compromise between preservation of the ultrastructure and maintenance of the element distribution.

• OSTI ID: 6936529
• Journal Information: Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry; (USA) Vol. 38:3; ISSN JHCYA; ISSN 0022-1554
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
BODY
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELEMENTS
HISTOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
KIDNEYS
LEAD
MAMMALS
METALS
MICROANALYSIS
MICROSCOPY
ORGANS
RATS
RODENTS
TISSUES
TOXICITY
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
VERTEBRATES