Trace Element Analysis of Human Cataractous Lenses by Neutron Activation Analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Special Reference to Pseudo-Exfoliation of the Lens Capsule

Abstract

Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been used to determine Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Se and Rb and atomic absorption spectrometry to determine Mg, Fe, Cu, Ag, Cd and Pb in human cataractous lens tissue. Lenses with pseudo-exfoliative disease displayed lower concentrations of Mg, Cu, Zn and Cd than those without pseudo-exfoliation. This may point to some alteration in the permeability of the lens capsule in pseudo-exfoliation.