Assessment of the Accumulation of Certain Metals in Human Globus pallidus Using Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive Microanalysis (EDX)

Abstract

Metals are essential for the physiological and biochemical processes in the human brain. However, their accumulation can cause neurotoxic effects, including the generation of reactive oxygen species and structural changes in biomolecules. This study aimed to assess the presence and distribution of metals in the human globus pallidus internus using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Post-mortem brain tissue samples from six individuals without clinical neuropathological findings were analysed. PIXE analysis revealed the presence of Fe, Cr, Al, Zn, Pb, and Ca. SEM-EDX analysis provided the qualitative elemental composition of an observed aggregate, revealing C, N, O, Na, Ca, Al, Si, S, K, Mg, Cl, Fe, Ni, and Cr. Our findings suggest that metal accumulation in the brain can result from environmental pollution and protein aggregation, as well as biomineralisation processes that sequester metal ions to mitigate their harmful effects. A deeper understanding of these accumulation pathways could contribute to improved therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases associated with metal toxicity.