Multi-elemental analysis of brain tissue from healthy Wistar rats using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The normal distribution of a range of elements in the brain tissue of healthy Wistar rats was established using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A protocol was developed to determine concentrations of Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb, Bi, U, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se in specific brain regions. The concentrations of these elements were determined in the range of 2±1 (e.g. Cr in diencephalon) to 7558±450 ng ml−1 (e.g. Fe in olfactory bulb). The detection limits of the sixteen elements ranged between 5 and 300 pg ml−1, with U yielding the lowest and Fe the highest value. The validity of the protocol was assessed by the analysis of SRM 1577B Bovine Liver and brain tissue spike recoveries. A principal component analysis was used to reveal elemental patterns of the brain regions.