In vivo measurement of bone aluminium: Recent developments

• Published in: Journal of inorganic biochemistry Vol. 99; no. 9; pp. 1899 - 1903
• Main Authors: Pejović-Milić, A., Byun, S.H., Comsa, D.C., McNeill, F.E., Prestwich, W.V., Chettle, D.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-09-2005
• Subjects: Aluminium; Aluminum - analysis; Bone; Bone and Bones - chemistry; Humans; In vivo; Neutron activation; Neutron Activation Analysis; Sensitivity and Specificity; In vivo; Aluminium; Bone; Neutron activation
• ISSN: 0162-0134; 1873-3344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2005.06.010

A biomarker of aluminium accumulation in the human body can play a valuable role in determining health effects of chronic aluminium exposure, complementing other human and environmental monitoring data. In vivo neutron activation provides such a non-invasive biomarker. To date, the best in vivo neutron activation system used thermalised neutrons from a nuclear reactor at Brookhaven National Laboratory, which suffered only slightly from interference from other elements, primarily phosphorus, and from the disadvantage of restricted accessibility. At McMaster, we use a nuclear reaction on an accelerator to select neutron energy, which eliminates the interferences. Spectral decomposition analysis improved sensitivity. A new 4π detection system also enhanced sensitivity. Together these improvements yield a minimum detection limit of 0.24
mgAl in a hand, slightly better than at Brookhaven and equivalent to “normal” levels. Further improvements should result from a new irradiation cavity and from using a higher proton current on the accelerator to shorten irradiation times. The system is now ready for pilot human studies.