Two-Dimensional Mapping of Copper and Zinc in Liver Sections by Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Abstract
Background: Metals are not homogeneously distributed in organ tissues. Although most mapping techniques, such as histologic staining methods, have been developed for element imaging on a subcellular level, many suffer from either low precision or poor detection limits. Therefore, small variations in elemental distribution cannot be identified. We developed a method for two-dimensional mapping of trace elements to identify the influence of metabolic zonation by the liver on trace element distribution.