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Portu AM, Espain MS, Thorp SI, Trivillin VA, Curotto P, Monti Hughes A, Pozzi ECC, Garabalino MA, Palmieri MA, Granell PN, Golmar F, Schwint AE, Saint Martin G. Enhanced Resolution of Neutron Autoradiography with UV-C Sensitization to Study Boron Microdistribution in Animal Models. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1578. [PMID: 37511953 PMCID: PMC10381447 DOI: 10.3390/life13071578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of boron microdistribution is essential to evaluate the suitability of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in different biological models. In our laboratory, we have reported a methodology to produce cell imprints on polycarbonate through UV-C sensitization. The aim of this work is to extend the technique to tissue samples in order to enhance spatial resolution. As tissue structure largely differs from cultured cells, several aspects must be considered. We studied the influence of the parameters involved in the imprint and nuclear track formation, such as neutron fluence, different NTDs, etching and UV-C exposure times, tissue absorbance, thickness, and staining, among others. Samples from different biological models of interest for BNCT were used, exhibiting homogeneous and heterogeneous histology and boron microdistribution. The optimal conditions will depend on the animal model under study and the resolution requirements. Both the imprint sharpness and the fading effect depend on tissue thickness. While 6 h of UV-C was necessary to yield an imprint in CR-39, only 5 min was enough to observe clear imprints on Lexan. The information related to microdistribution of boron obtained with neutron autoradiography is of great relevance when assessing new boron compounds and administration protocols and also contributes to the study of the radiobiology of BNCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Mariana Portu
- National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), San Martín C1429BNP, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- School of Science & Technology, National University of San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín B1650JKA, Argentina
| | - María Sol Espain
- National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), San Martín C1429BNP, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- School of Science & Technology, National University of San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín B1650JKA, Argentina
| | - Silvia Inés Thorp
- National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), San Martín C1429BNP, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Verónica Andrea Trivillin
- National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), San Martín C1429BNP, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Paula Curotto
- National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), San Martín C1429BNP, Argentina
| | - Andrea Monti Hughes
- National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), San Martín C1429BNP, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | | | | | - Mónica Alejandra Palmieri
- Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Pablo Nicolás Granell
- Micro and Nanotechnology Centre of the Bicentennial (CNMB), National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI), San Martín B1650JKA, Argentina
| | - Federico Golmar
- National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- School of Science & Technology, National University of San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín B1650JKA, Argentina
- Micro and Nanotechnology Centre of the Bicentennial (CNMB), National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI), San Martín B1650JKA, Argentina
| | - Amanda Elena Schwint
- National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), San Martín C1429BNP, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
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Espector N, Portu AM, Espain MS, Leyva G, Saint Martin G. Measurement of an evaporation coefficient in tissue sections as a correction factor for 10B determination. Histochem Cell Biol 2023:10.1007/s00418-023-02200-w. [PMID: 37126141 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02200-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a cancer treatment option that combines preferential uptake of a boron compound in tumors and irradiation with thermal neutrons. For treatment planning, the boron concentration in different tissues must be considered. Neutron autoradiography using nuclear track detectors (NTD) can be applied to study both the concentration and microdistribution of boron in tissue samples. Histological sections are obtained from frozen tissue by cryosectioning. When the samples reach room temperature, they undergo an evaporation process, which leads to an increase in the boron concentration. To take this effect into account, certain correction factors (evaporation coefficients, CEv) must be applied. With this aim, a protocol was established to register and analyze mass variation of tissue sections, measured with a semimicro scale. Values of ambient temperature, pressure, and humidity were simultaneously recorded. Reproducible results of evaporation curves and CEv values were obtained for different tissue samples, which allowed the systematization of the procedure. This study could contribute to a more precise determination of boron concentration in tissue samples through the neutron autoradiography technique, which is of great relevance to make dosimetric calculations in BNCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Espector
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, San Martin, B1650KNA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Mariana Portu
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, San Martin, B1650KNA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Sol Espain
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, San Martin, B1650KNA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Leyva
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, San Martin, B1650KNA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gisela Saint Martin
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, San Martin, B1650KNA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ciardiello A, Altierix S, Ballarini F, Bocci V, Bortolussi S, Cansolino L, Carlotti D, Ciocca M, Faccini R, Facoetti A, Ferrari C, Ficcadenti L, Furfaro E, Giagu S, Iacoangeli F, Macioce G, Mancini-Terracciano C, Messina A, Milazzo L, Pacifico S, Piccolella S, Postuma I, Rotili D, Vercesi V, Voena C, Vulcano F, Capuani S. Multimodal evaluation of 19F-BPA internalization in pancreatic cancer cells for boron capture and proton therapy potential applications. Phys Med 2022; 94:75-84. [PMID: 34999515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE One of the obstacles to the application of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and Proton Boron Fusion Therapy (PBFT) concerns the measurement of borated carriers' biodistribution. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro internalization of the 19F-labelled p-boronophenylalanine (19F-BPA) in the human cancer pancreatic cell line (PANC-1) for the potential application of BNCT and PBFT in pancreatic cancer. The 19F-BPA carrier has the advantage that its bio-distribution may be monitored in vivo using 19F-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (19F NMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS The 19F-BPA internalization in PANC-1 cells was evaluated using three independent techniques on cellular samples left in contact with growing medium enriched with 13.6 mM 19F-BPA corresponding to a 11B concentration of 120 ppm: neutron autoradiography, which quantifies boron; liquid chromatography hyphenated to tandem mass spectrometry and UV-Diode Array Detection (UV-DAD), which quantifies 19F-BPA molecule; and 19F NMR spectroscopy, which detects fluorine nuclei. RESULTS Our studies suggested that 19F-BPA is internalized by PANC-1 cells. The three methods provided consistent results of about 50% internalization fraction at 120 ppm of 11B. Small variations (less than 15%) in internalization fraction are mainly dependent on the proliferation state of the cells. CONCLUSIONS The ability of 19F NMR spectroscopy to study 19F-BPA internalization was validated by well-established independent techniques. The multimodal approach we used suggests 19F-BPA as a promising BNCT/PBFT carrier for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Since the quantification is performed at doses useful for BNCT/PBFT, 19F NMR can be envisaged to monitor 19F-BPA bio-distribution during the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ciardiello
- Sapienza University, Physics Department, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Saverio Altierix
- Pavia University, Physics Department, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Ballarini
- Pavia University, Physics Department, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Valerio Bocci
- INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silva Bortolussi
- Pavia University, Physics Department, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Cansolino
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Pavia University, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, Pediatric Science Department, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Carlotti
- INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Ciocca
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; National Center of Oncological Hadrontherapy, CNAO, via Campeggi 53, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Faccini
- Sapienza University, Physics Department, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelica Facoetti
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; National Center of Oncological Hadrontherapy, CNAO, via Campeggi 53, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ferrari
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Pavia University, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, Pediatric Science Department, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Emiliano Furfaro
- Sapienza University, Physics Department, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Giagu
- Sapienza University, Physics Department, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giampiero Macioce
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Mancini-Terracciano
- Sapienza University, Physics Department, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Messina
- Sapienza University, Physics Department, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Milazzo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Severina Pacifico
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Department, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Napoli, Strada Comunale Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, (Italy)
| | - Simona Piccolella
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Department, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; INFN, Sezione di Napoli, Strada Comunale Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, (Italy)
| | - Ian Postuma
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Sapienza University, Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, P.le A. Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Voena
- INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Vulcano
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Capuani
- INFN, Sezione di Roma, pl.e Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; CNR ISC c/o Sapienza University Physics Department, P.le A.Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy; Centro Fermi - Museo Storico Della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Piazza del Viminale 1, Rome 00184, Italy
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Quantitative autoradiography in boron neutron capture therapy considering the particle ranges in the samples. Phys Med 2021; 82:306-320. [PMID: 33721790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Boron neutron capture therapy is a cellular-scale particle therapy exploiting boron neutron capture reactions in boron compounds distributed in tumour cells. Its therapeutic effect depends on both the accumulation of boron in tumour cells and the neutron fluence. Autoradiography is used to visualise the micro-distribution of boron compounds. METHODS Here, we present an equation for the relationship between boron concentration and pit density on the solid-state nuclear track detector, taking into consideration the particle ranges in the samples. This equation is validated using liver-tissue sections and boron standard solutions. Moreover, we present a simple co-localisation system for pit and tissue-section images that requires no special equipment. RESULTS The equation reproduces the experimentally observed trends between boron concentration and pit density. This equation provides a theoretical explanation for the widely used calibration curve between pit density and boron concentration; it also provides a method to correct for differences of tissue-section thickness in quantitative autoradiography. CONCLUSIONS Using the equation together with this co-localisation system could improve micro-scale quantitative estimation in tissue sections.
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Colocalization of tracks from boron neutron capture reactions and images of isolated cells. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 167:109353. [PMID: 33039761 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, the boronated drug plays a leading role in delivering a lethal dose to the tumour. The effectiveness depends on the boron macroscopic concentration and on its distribution at sub-cellular level. This work shows a way to colocalize alpha particles and lithium ions tracks with cells. A neutron autoradiography technique is used, which combines images of cells with images of tracks produced in a solid-state nuclear track detector.
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Espain MS, Dattoli Viegas AM, Trivillin VA, Saint Martin G, Thorp SI, Curotto P, Pozzi ECC, González SJ, Portu AM. Neutron autoradiography to study the microdistribution of boron in the lung. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 165:109331. [PMID: 32777741 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In Argentina, a multi-institutional project has been established to assess the feasibility of applying BNCT ex-situ to the treatment of patients with multiple metastases in both lungs. Within this context, this work aims at applying the neutron autoradiography technique to study boron microdistribution in the lung. A comprehensive analysis of the different aspects for the generation of autoradiographic images of both normal and metastatic BDIX rat lungs was achieved. Histology, boron uniformity, optimal tissue thickness and water content in tissue were explored for the two types of samples. A qualitative and a quantitative analysis were performed. No heterogeneities in uptake were observed in normal lung. Conversely, samples with metastasis showed preferential boron uptake in the tumour areas with respect to surrounding tissue. Surrounding tissue would present a slightly higher uptake of boron than the normal lung. Quantitative results of boron concentration values and ratios determined by neutron autoradiography were obtained. In order to contribute to BNCT dosimetry, further analysis increasing the number of samples is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sol Espain
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón I, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Mailén Dattoli Viegas
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón I, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Andrea Trivillin
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2270, C1425FQD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gisela Saint Martin
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Inés Thorp
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Curotto
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sara Josefina González
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2270, C1425FQD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Mariana Portu
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2270, C1425FQD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Espector NM, Portu A, Santa Cruz GA, Saint Martin G. Evaporation process in histological tissue sections for neutron autoradiography. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2018; 57:153-162. [PMID: 29476254 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-018-0735-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of the distribution and density of nuclear tracks forming an autoradiography in a nuclear track detector (NTD) allows the determination of 10B atoms concentration and location in tissue samples from Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) protocols. This knowledge is of great importance for BNCT dosimetry and treatment planning. Tissue sections studied with this technique are obtained by cryosectioning frozen tissue specimens. After the slicing procedure, the tissue section is put on the NTD and the sample starts drying. The thickness varies from its original value allowing more particles to reach the detector and, as the mass of the sample decreases, the boron concentration in the sample increases. So in order to determine the concentration present in the hydrated tissue, the application of corrective coefficients is required. Evaporation mechanisms as well as various factors that could affect the process of mass variation are outlined in this work. Mass evolution for tissue samples coming from BDIX rats was registered with a semimicro analytical scale and measurements were analyzed with software developed to that end. Ambient conditions were simultaneously recorded, obtaining reproducible evaporation curves. Mathematical models found in the literature were applied for the first time to this type of samples and the best fit of the experimental data was determined. The correlation coefficients and the variability of the parameters were evaluated, pointing to Page's model as the one that best represented the evaporation curves. These studies will contribute to a more precise assessment of boron concentration in tissue samples by the Neutron Autoradiography technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M Espector
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Pcia. de Buenos Aires (CIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Portu
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo A Santa Cruz
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gisela Saint Martin
- Departamento de Radiobiología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto de Tecnología Jorge Sábato, UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Provenzano L, Olivera MS, Saint Martin G, Rodríguez LM, Fregenal D, Thorp SI, Pozzi ECC, Curotto P, Postuma I, Altieri S, González SJ, Bortolussi S, Portu A. Extending neutron autoradiography technique for boron concentration measurements in hard tissues. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 137:62-67. [PMID: 29587160 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The neutron autoradiography technique using polycarbonate nuclear track detectors (NTD) has been extended to quantify the boron concentration in hard tissues, an application of special interest in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). Chemical and mechanical processing methods to prepare thin tissue sections as required by this technique have been explored. Four different decalcification methods governed by slow and fast kinetics were tested in boron-loaded bones. Due to the significant loss of the boron content, this technique was discarded. On the contrary, mechanical manipulation to obtain bone powder and tissue sections of tens of microns thick proved reproducible and suitable, ensuring a proper conservation of the boron content in the samples. A calibration curve that relates the 10B concentration of a bone sample and the track density in a Lexan NTD is presented. Bone powder embedded in boric acid solution with known boron concentrations between 0 and 100 ppm was used as a standard material. The samples, contained in slim Lexan cases, were exposed to a neutron fluence of 1012 cm-2 at the thermal column central facility of the RA-3 reactor (Argentina). The revealed tracks in the NTD were counted with an image processing software. The effect of track overlapping was studied and corresponding corrections were implemented in the presented calibration curve. Stochastic simulations of the track densities produced by the products of the 10B thermal neutron capture reaction for different boron concentrations in bone were performed and compared with the experimental results. The remarkable agreement between the two curves suggested the suitability of the obtained experimental calibration curve. This neutron autoradiography technique was finally applied to determine the boron concentration in pulverized and compact bone samples coming from a sheep experimental model. The obtained results for both type of samples agreed with boron measurements carried out by ICP-OES within experimental uncertainties. The fact that the histological structure of bone sections remains preserved allows for future boron microdistribution analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Provenzano
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina.
| | - María Silvina Olivera
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina.
| | - Gisela Saint Martin
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina.
| | - Luis Miguel Rodríguez
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina.
| | - Daniel Fregenal
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina.
| | - Silvia I Thorp
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina.
| | - Emiliano C C Pozzi
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina.
| | - Paula Curotto
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina.
| | - Ian Postuma
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Unit of Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Saverio Altieri
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Unit of Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Departament of Physics, University of Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sara J González
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina.
| | - Silva Bortolussi
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Unit of Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Departament of Physics, University of Pavia, via A. Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Agustina Portu
- Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Del Libertador 8250, C1429BNP CABA, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina.
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