Simultaneous determinations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Br concentrations in human tissue sections.

Proton-induced x-ray fluorescence has been used to determine the concentration of trace elements in human prostate and liver tissue samples. Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn were observed in all specimens. Small amounts of Br were detected in most of the prostates, and in nearly half of the livers. The data indicate that the Fe content decreases in malignant liver tissues and the quantities of Cu and Zn are also decreased, but to a lesser extent.