Determination of trace elements in various organs of rats by thermal neutron activation analysis

The trace element levels in various organs of normal rats have been determined by means of thermal neutron activation followed by high-resolution gamma-spectroscopy. Abundances for 11 elements (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Rb, Sb, Se, Cr, Co, Cs and Sc) were evaluated in the individual subjects. The present results were generally found within the ranges of the literature values, except for ultra-trace elements. The reliability of the method was assessed by analyzing NBS standard reference materials, Orchard Leaves and Bovine Liver. The trace element contents of the rat diet have also been measured, and comparison of them with those of the rat organs was given. (author)