Analysis of the Influence of Zn Excess in the Pineal Gland by Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence

The TXRF technique (total reflection X-ray fluorescence) was employed to analyze the concentration of zinc (Zn) and other metals in the pineal gland of rats submitted to orally administered excess dose of Zn sulfate. The histochemical localization of Zn was also performed. TXRF results showed a 42.9% increase in Zn concentration, and alterations on the homeostasis of other essential elements in rats. It was concluded that TXRF is a suitable technique for measuring, for the first time in this work, the concentration of Zn accumulated in the pineal gland after administration of an excess dose of Zn, and this result may be either directly or indirectly related to alteration in the homeostasis of other chemical elements, such as S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn and Fe.