The Binding of Iron to Perineuronal Nets: A Combined Nuclear Microscopy and Moessbauer Study

A specialized form of extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounds subpopulations of neurons termed 'perineuronal nets' (PNs). These PNs form highly anionic charged structures in the direct microenvironment of neurons, assumed to be involved in local ion homeostasis since they are able to scavenge and bind redox-active iron ions. The quantity and distribution of iron-charged PNs of the extracellular matrix in the rat brain areas of the cortex and the red nucleus was investigated using the powerful combination of Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Moessbauer spectroscopy. These studies reveal that the iron is bound to the PNs as Fe(III). PNs in both brain regions accumulate up to three to five times more Fe3+ than any other tissue structure in dependency on the applied Fe concentration with local amount maximums of 480 mmol/l Fe at PNs.