Distribution Analysis of Iron and Copper by STEM-EDX Spectroscopy of Hemosiderin Particles in the Liver of Rats Overloaded With Iron

Abstract

Background/aim: Our recent studies have indicated that trace copper co-existed with iron in hemosiderin particles of human genetic iron overload. To understand this phenomenon, we analyzed hemosiderin particles in iron-overloaded rat liver by using scanning transmission electron microscopy - energy-dispersive X-ray (STEM-EDX) spectroscopy.

Materials and methods: Samples for STEM-EDX spectroscopy were prepared from the liver of rats administered an intraperitoneal injection of dextran iron.

Results: The micro-domain analysis with STEM-EDX spectroscopy showed that dense bodies contained high levels of iron and trace copper. Quantitative analysis of copper levels in the liver specimen using atomic spectrophotometry showed that copper concentration in the liver was not increased by iron overload. These findings suggest that the overload of iron induced distribution of trace copper to hemosiderin particles without changing cellular copper levels.

Conclusion: Co-existence of copper with iron was observed in hemosiderin particles of the liver of an experimental model of iron overload, suggesting that iron overload induced distribution of trace copper into hemosiderin particles.

Keywords: Hemosiderin; Kupffer cells; copper; iron.