Analysis of minor and trace elements in gallstones by induction of characteristic ionising radiation

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Abstract
In an investigation of the role of trace elements in gallstone formation and of minor and trace elements in gallstone and bile, samples from 5 patients were analyzed using 3 different techniques for cross-verification: NAA [neutron activation analysis], PIXE [proton induced X-ray emmission] and XRF [X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy]. In addition, certified standards of bovine liver and oyster tissue from the NBS [National Bureau of Standards], Washington, were re-analyzed using the different techniques to confirm the accuracy of the experimental procedures. NAA of 5 gallstones was used for the quantitative analysis of 19 elements with Z > 11. The concentrations of Cl, K + Ca, Mn, Fe and Cu +Zn were determined by PIXE and those of Mg, P, S, K and Ca by XRF. In most cases the concentrations were in the range of a few PPB to a few hundred PPM. The spatial distribution of the component elements was obtained using XRF with a scanning electron microscopy and the results demonstrated that Ca was present centrally in all the stones. The analysis of gallbladder bile from 4 patients showed that the Ca concentration was much greater than normal, indicating that Ca and other elements play an important role in stone formation. IR spectroscopy showed that the calcium salts were present in gallstones in 3 compound forms: calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and calcium bilirubinate. Reasons for the cause of calcium precipitation are discussed.