Distributions of elements in the human retinal pigment epithelium

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/archopht.1990.01070030119041· OSTI ID:7105380

Ulshafer, R J; Allen, C B; Rubin, M L ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Florida, Gainesville (USA)

Distributions of elements above the atomic number of sodium were mapped in the retinal pigment epithelia of eight human eyes. X-ray energy spectra and maps were collected from cryofixed, freeze-dried, and epoxy-embedded tissues using energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis. All eyes had high concentrations of phosphorus in the nuclei of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Melanosomes were rich in sulfur, zinc, calcium, and iron. Lipofuscin and cytoplasm contained only phosphorus and sulfur in detectable amounts. Drusen, when present, contained phosphorus and calcium. Six eyes had a prominent aluminum peak recorded from melanosomes, nuclei, and Bruch's membrane. In one pair of 90-year-old eyes, small, electron-dense deposits surrounded many melanosomes and contained mercury and selenium. Retinal pigment epithelial melanosomes may bind and accumulate metals and other potentially toxic ions over time, preventing them from reaching the neural retina.

• OSTI ID: 7105380
• Journal Information: Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago); (USA), Journal Name: Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago); (USA) Vol. 108:1; ISSN 0003-9950; ISSN AROPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550602* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Diagnostics-- (1980-)
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
ELECTRON MICROPROBE ANALYSIS
EPITHELIUM
EYES
FACE
HEAD
MAMMALS
MAN
MICROANALYSIS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RETINA
SENSE ORGANS
SPECTRA
TISSUES
VERTEBRATES
X-RAY SPECTRA