The subcellular distribution of zinc in dog prostate studied by x-ray microanalysis

X-ray microanalysis of zinc in ultrathin sections of dog prostate was performed by electron microscope microanalysis using the potassium pyroantimonate method of preparation. Prostates of both mature and immature dogs were examined and the metal was found to be localised primarily in the nucleolus, nuclear chromatin and secretory granules of epithelial cells. Differences in zinc concentrations were observed between mature and immature tissues, particularly in the nuclear chromatin. The metal was also incorporated into epithelial secretions, lysosomes and fibromuscular stroma. Variable binding of zinc to tissue components was revealed by a combination of histochemical precipitation and subcellular analysis.