Issue 8, 2008

Nano-imaging of trace metals by synchrotron X-ray fluorescence into dopaminergic single cells and neurite-like processes

Abstract

The metallome has been defined as the distribution of metals and metalloids among the different species and cell compartments. The detection of trace elements at the subcellular level is a challenging task that requires sophisticated analytical developments. In this study, we report how chemical element imaging was performed in subcellular compartments of dopaminergic cells at high spatial resolution using the X-ray fluorescence nanoprobe recently developed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. High spatial resolution is obtained using the concept of a secondary source focused to a 90 nm probe by multilayer mirrors bent in Kirkpatrick–Baez geometry. This original setup was applied for trace metal mapping of single dopaminergic cells, chosen as an in vitro model of degenerative cells involved in Parkinson's disease. This cellular model is able to differentiate upon exposure to nerve growth factor and to extend neurite-like processes. Two important results were obtained. First, iron is distributed in a granular form into dopamine vesicles, found mainly in primary neurite outgrowths and distal ends. Second, thin neurite-like processes produced by differentiated cells accumulate copper, zinc, and to a minor extent lead. Overall, the high resolution imaging of single neuronal cells offers unique information to understand the role of trace metals in neurochemistry.

Graphical abstract: Nano-imaging of trace metals by synchrotron X-ray fluorescence into dopaminergic single cells and neurite-like processes

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
12 Feb 2008
Accepted
30 Apr 2008
First published
03 Jun 2008

J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2008,23, 1083-1088

Nano-imaging of trace metals by synchrotron X-ray fluorescence into dopaminergic single cells and neurite-like processes

A. Carmona, P. Cloetens, G. Devès, S. Bohic and R. Ortega, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2008, 23, 1083 DOI: 10.1039/B802242A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements