Interaction between Li, Ni and Sr content in human cancellous bone.

Li, Sr and Ni content of human cancellous bone and their relation to elemental composition was studied in specimens obtained from 88 subjects with a normal mineral status and from 50 subjects having osteoporotic changes due to chronic immobilizing diseases. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Li, Pb, Sr and Zn were analyzed with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and fluoride with an ion selective electrode. The data was analyzed with the linear multiple regression analysis. Ni had a statistically significant inverse relation to Li. There was a significant positive correlation between Sr and Ni contents. Chronic immobilizing diseases did not affect significantly Li, Sr and Ni contents. Also no age dependent changes of these elements were found. The mean concentration S.D. of Li was 0.23 +/- 0.14 microgram/g, of Sr 65.5 +/- 40.7 micrograms/g and Ni 1.29 +/- 0.83 micrograms/g, respectively. The strong interrelation between Li, Sr and Ni suggest that these elements should be analyzed together in studying the role of these elements in the mineralization.