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The subcellular distribution of zinc in dog prostate studied by X-Ray microanalysis

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Summary

X-ray microanalysis of zinc in ultrathin sections of dog prostate was performed by electron microscope microanalysis using the potassium pyroantimonate method of preparation. Prostates of both mature and immature dogs were examined and the metal was found to be localised primarily in the nucleolus, nuclear chromatin and secretory granules of epithelial cells. Differences in zinc concentrations were observed between mature and immature tissues, particularly in the nuclear chromatin. The metal was also incorporated into epithelial secretions, lysosomes and fibromuscular stroma. Variable binding of zinc to tissue components was revealed by a combination of histochemical precipitation and subcellular analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tenovus Institute for Cancer Research, Welsh National School of Medicine, CF4 4XX, The Heath, Cardiff, Wales, UK

    J. A. Chandler, B. G. Timms & C. G. Pierrepoint

  2. Institut für Histologie und Embryologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Österreich

    F. Sinowatz

Authors
  1. J. A. Chandler
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  2. F. Sinowatz
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  3. B. G. Timms
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  4. C. G. Pierrepoint
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The authors are grateful to the Tenovus Organisation for general financial support. This work was also supported by the Medical Research Council, Grant No. G974/304B and by a grant of the Austrian Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Forschung. One of them (F.S.) was financed by the British Council

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Chandler, J.A., Sinowatz, F., Timms, B.G. et al. The subcellular distribution of zinc in dog prostate studied by X-Ray microanalysis. Cell Tissue Res. 185, 89–103 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226671

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