Nuclear microprobe applications to biomedical studies

Nuclear Microprobe techniques have a remarkable potential in biomedicine once image information on tissue topography, structural organisation and elemental distribution is simultaneously obtained. These micro-analytical techniques can constitute an important tool for studies of the influence of external aggressors in health, such as internalised airborne particulate matter, and in pathological conditions associated to inflammatory processes that may result from endogenous aggressors (e.g., reactive products of metabolism, essential trace elements impairment). The tissue reactivity to exogenous or endogenous toxic substances may involve remodelling of specific cells organisation, such as epithelial layers or basement membranes. The evaluation of the magnitude of tissue remodelling and its progression is of the foremost importance to assess the mechanisms involved. The fate of respired particles in the human respiratory system and the evaluation of skin alterations in haemochromatosis condition (disease characterised by impaired Fe metabolism) will illustrate some of the helpful aspects of NMP in biomedical studies. The chemical characterisation of individual particles in the epithelial regions of trachea and bronchi, the accumulation of toxic elements, such as V, Cr, and Ni, in lung alveoli and their mobilisation to surrounding tissue, to phagocytic cells and to the associated lymphatic tissue will be discussed. Also, the abnormal deposition of Fe and its possible role in skin inflammation an din changes of skin integrity and structure will also be presented