[X-ray fluorescent determination of iron, copper, zinc, bromine and rubidium in biopsies of the gastric mucosa].

A method of a combined use of fiber gastroscopy and x-ray fluorescent analysis was elaborated for a study of the chemical composition of the gastric mucosa. Fr, Cu, Zn, Br, and Rb concentrations were determined in gastric mucosa biopsy specimens obtained during fiber gastroscopy, using x-ray fluorescent analysis. The concentrations of trace elements in the gastric mucosa were determined in 13 healthy persons, in 23 patients with chronic mucosal atrophy, in 15--with gastric ulcer, and in 16--with polyps. Besides, the content of trace elements was determined in the tumorous tissue of 66 gastric cancer patients. The results of the investigation revealed a statistically significant rise of mean Fr concentrations on the ulcer edge, in polyps and tumorous tissue as compared to the unchanged mucosa. Polypous tissue differed from the normal gastric mucosa by a low level of Cu, the difference being statistically significant. A tendency to a decrease in Zn content as compared to the unchanged mucosa was noted in the edge of ulcerative defects. The method can be effectively used for intravital studies on Fr, Cu, Zn, Br, and Rb levels in the G. I. tract mucosa.