Analysis of trace elements in erythrocytes obtained from dialysis patients using in-air micro PIXE

Kikuchi, Hiroki*; Nagamine, Takeaki*; Tokita, Yoshiharu*; Sato, Takahiro; Kamiya, Tomihiro

Erythrocyte is a specimen which is easy to use for the analysis of the trace elements in internal organs of living subjects and appropriate material to investigate the distributions of those elements. In this research, the trace elements of erythrocyte in hemo-dialysis patients were analyzed by in-air micro-PIXE, and the pathogenesis of the anemia in these patients were elucidated. The form of a normal erythrocyte shows a dent at the center of erythrocyte. A large number of erythrocytes in hemo-dialysis patient's bloods did not show a dent at the center of erythrocyte. The change of the erythrocyte form was also observed in patients with hereditary spherocytosis. Iron distribution was similar between the hemo-dialysis patients and healthy controls. Other elements did not show clear difference of distribution between the hemo-dialysis patients and healthy controls.