Concentration of elements in human brain: glioblastoma multiforme

In this paper the results of two coordinated biomedical research projects are presented. The first project involves the determination of the average values of elements in normal human brain (20 individuals, age-group 65-75). 21 brain parts were selected from both hemispheres. Determinations were carried out by ICP-AES and INAA methods. The main (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, P, S) and trace elements (Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn) were investigated. Quality control was ensured by using NBS Bovine Liver SRMs. On the basis of our investigations the regional distribution of elements can be given. The second goal was to detect the possible trace element changes in histopathologically selected brain regions from patients with glioblastoma multiforme. The majority of elements displayed no statistically significant differences between the studied groups, except the reduced levels of B and Zn and the increased level of Sr compared to the tissue from control individuals.