Isotopic analysis of Cu, Fe and Zn in whole blood, serum and cerebrospinal fluid via multi-collector ICP - mass spectrometry: a novel approach to obtain insight into metabolism and to diagnose metal-related diseases

The isotopic composition of Cu, Fe and Zn will be determined in whole blood, serum and cerebrospinal fluid via multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry. Novel and improved analytical methods will be developed for this purpose. The capabiities of this approach for i) providing an enhanced insight into the metabolism of these transition metals and ii) diagnosis of diseases will be evaluated.