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Subcellular localization of boron in cultured melanoma cells by electron energy‐loss spectroscopy of freeze‐dried cryosections
Author(s) -
Michel J.,
Sauerwein W.,
Wittig A.,
Balossier G.,
Zierold K.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2818.2003.01172.x
Subject(s) - boron , radiochemistry , penetration (warfare) , spectroscopy , isotopes of boron , chemistry , melanoma , materials science , analytical chemistry (journal) , biology , chromatography , cancer research , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , operations research , engineering
Summary Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is based on the ability of the non‐radioactive isotope 10 B to capture thermal neutrons and to disintegrate instantaneously. This reaction opens a way to selectively destroy tumour cells after specific uptake of 10 B. In this paper, a method based on electron energy‐loss spectroscopy is presented for detecting and quantifying boron in freeze‐dried cryosections of human melanoma cells. A practical detection limit of around 6 mmol kg −1 in 0.1‐µm 2 areas is estimated using specimens prepared from standard boron solutions. Preliminary results of boron mapping in the spectrum‐imaging acquisition mode reveal boron penetration and probably spot‐like accumulation within melanoma cells when exposed to culture medium containing sodium borocaptate.