ISSN:
1432-0827
Keywords:
Electron probe microanalysis
;
Secondary ion microanalysis
;
Quail eggshell
;
Biomineralization
;
Elemental distribution, Sr, Mg, Ca
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
,
Physics
Notes:
Summary Localization of mineral elements in the shell of quail eggs was studied by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Normal eggs as well as eggs from hens intoxicated with strontium were studied. A simple preparative technique was employed that is advantageous for the study of mineralized tissues. Semithin (1 µm) sections of material embedded in Araldite were used. These preparations allow analysis by both SIMS and EPMA, and do not exhibit charge distortion in the resulting ion images. The greater sensitivity for detection of elements in low concentration and greater statistical reliability of images with SIMS allowed us to show the stepwise variations in concentration of Mg within normal and strontium-intoxicated quail eggshell. These steps were not detectable with EPMA. Strontium chloride added to the food was incorporated as Sr into the eggshell, which was abnormal in development. The incorporation of Sr does not correspond to the calcium distribution. The cone layer appears less rich in Sr, and it is also less rich in Mg in normal as well as in intoxicated eggs. From this distribution it is possible to construct a diagram of the abnormal eggshell which is difficult to distinguish by other methods. Electron diffraction of the quail eggshell intoxicated with Sr showed the carbonate to be in rhombohedric rather than orthorhombic form, even though the strontium concentration may be very high. These findings are a reflection of a complex process in dynamic equilibrium which is responsible for the biomineralization of the eggshell of quail.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02408620
