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[Sites of aluminum accumulation in bone marrow: study using electron microscopy, ionic microscopy and X-ray
Biology of the Cell
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Aluminum accumulates in specific bone marrow cells, particularly reticular cells, within lysosomes or phagolysosomes. This selective distribution, observed via analytical microscopy, may impact red blood cell maturation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Aluminum intoxication can affect various organs.
- Bone marrow is crucial for hematopoiesis.
- The cellular distribution of aluminum in bone marrow is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular localization of aluminum in rat bone marrow after intoxication.
- To identify the specific cell types and organelles accumulating aluminum.
- To explore potential implications for erythrocyte maturation.
Main Methods:
- Analytical ion microscopy was used to image aluminum distribution.
- Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) quantified aluminum concentration.
- Rats were intoxicated with aluminum gluconate.
Main Results:
- Aluminum was found concentrated in spots within the cytoplasm of some bone marrow cells.
- Accumulation primarily occurred in reticulo-endothelial system cells, especially reticular cells in erythroblastic islets.
- Aluminum was localized in intracytoplasmic organelles resembling lysosomes or phagolysosomes, often associated with phosphorus and iron.
Conclusions:
- Aluminum selectively accumulates in specific cells within the bone marrow.
- The reticular cells of erythroblastic islets are a primary site of aluminum accumulation.
- The observed distribution suggests potential interference with erythrocyte maturation processes.