Metals in tumors of the sellar region.

The contents of the metals Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Mn in 7 different entities of tumors of the sellar region were evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Increased values of Mg in coincidence with high Ca contents are explained by the competition of Mg to Ca and its potency to inhibit mineralization. Reports on the frequent coincidence of increased Zn levels with increased Ca levels were confirmed. The pattern of metal contents encountered in some tumors was rather related to the biological state of the tissue than to morphogenesis or descent from any specific embryonic layer. Regressive transformation like calcification or liquefaction had a distinct bearing on the distribution of metals.