An Accelerator Based In Vivo Measurement of Aluminum in Human Bone by Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract

Aluminum is a neurotoxin and has been recognized as a causative agent for dialysis encephalopathy and renal osteodystrophy, as well as possibly being related to Alzheimer's disease. General public exposures to aluminum have increased in the modern, industrial age stimulating scientists to inquire into the degree of risk associated with such widespread use of aluminum. Aluminum is thought to be stored in bone, therefore, development of an in vivo method for the determination of aluminum a in human bone, suitable for routine monitoring of patients and population is the goal of this study. Using neutron activation analysis, low-energy neutrons are produced on the KN accelerator inducing the 27Al(n,y)28AI reaction in an irradiated site. Two different shapes (cylindrical and flat) of aluminum doped tissue equivalent phantoms, simulating both bone and soft tissue, have been built. Calibration lines, detection limits and doses delivered with the different shapes of phantom have been discussed, and compared to the previously published results. Two detection systems. an assembly of two large Nal{Tl) detectors and a hyperpure germani Jm detector, have been compared as well. The results achieved suggest that this technique may provide an alternative choice to painful bone biopsy for the in vivo monitoring of aluminum intoxication from long-term exposure.