Studies of Cd, Zn and Cu levels in human kidney tumours and normal kidney

Abstract
Summary The distribution of Cd, Zn and Cu was analyzed in nuclear, mitochondrial and cytosol cellular fractions of renal tumours and normal surrounding kidney tissues by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The normal kidney tissues were separated into cortical and medullary parts. A significant decrease of the Cd-levels was found in all cellular fractions from normal kidney to tumour tissues (hypernephroma). The Zn values varied strongly. We noted a slight decrease of Zn levels in renal tumour. The Cu concentration in the nucleus of kidney tumours was significantly increased.