Classification of human brain parts using pattern recognition based on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and instrumental neutron activation analysis

Abstract

This project aims at investigating possible trace element changes in histopathologically selected brain regions of patients with Alzheimer's disease (six individuals, ten brain parts). Determinations were carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. The main (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, P, S) and trace (Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) elements were investigated. Quality control was ensured by using Bovine Liver standard reference materials from the National Bureau of Standards. The results were graphically illustrated by means of cluster analysis dendrograms where classification of the subjects is effected by placing them into homogeneous groups in a way that any relation between the groups is revealed. Our preliminary results indicate a possible correlation of the brain Al and Zn concentrations (and the Sr, Ba, Cu contents in some brain parts) with Alzheimer's disease. Andrási, E., Varga, I., Dózsa, A., Réffy, A. and Nagy, G.J., 1994. Classification of human brain parts using pattern recognition based on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems, 22 (1994) 107–114.