Localized Changes Of Trace-Element Concentrations Within Diseased Human-Liver Lobules

The Karlsruhe ion microprobe was used in the investigation of healthy and cirrhotically diseased human liver samples. Target preparation and irradiation are described. The PIXE spectra above 4 keV are dominated by the trace elements Fe, Cu, Zn, and Br. These elements are distributed rather homogeneously in healthy livers. Their concentration levels fluctuate from patient to patient by factors up to 10. For cirrhotic livers we tried to elaborate typical trace element patterns. A locally increased Cu content indicates inflammatory activity, while fibrotically scarred tissues show a markedly higher Br concentration. Fe concentrations up to some percent are found in granular deposits within the parenchyma of hemochromatotic livers.