Trace elements in scalp-hair of persons with multiple sclerosis and of normal individuals.

Scalp-hair samples from 40 multiple sclerosis patients and 42 controls were analyzed by neutron activation analysis, with a SLOWPOKE reactor as the neutron source. Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, l, K, Mg, Mn, Na, S, Sb, Se, Sr, V, and Zn were determined in samples of about 0.1 g. Highly significant differences (99% confidence) were observed between the two groups in concentrations of Cu, l, Mn, S, Se, and V.