TOPOGRAPHIC PIXE ANALYSIS OF PLATINUM LEVELS IN KIDNEY SLICES FROM CISPLATIN TREATED PATIENTS

Concentrations of platinum and several other trace elements have been measured exploiting a 50 multiplied by 50 mu m proton beam for PIXE analysis. The thickness of a selective germanium absorber for the spectral resolution of platinum L beta and selenium K alpha peaks was optimized, taking into account the fluorescent X-rays excited in the absorber material. The measurements have been performed in the framework of a project on the assessment of the toxicity of cytostatic platinum compounds. The lateral distributions of platinum in human kidneys and in dog tissues were measured. The highest concentrations of platinum were seen in arterial walls, followed by glomeruli and tubules. Chronic kidney damage may be correlated to this pattern of retention.