Quantitative bioimaging of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as a tool for measuring concentrations and determining accumulation of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats. Methods Six frozen liver specimens were evaluated by qualitative copper staining and quantitative flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Tissue specimens were cryo-sectioned and quantitative bioimaging of copper was performed using LA-ICP-MS. Results were compared with those obtained using conventional methods. Results Of the six specimens, only one showed positive staining for copper with rhodanine. Using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), one specimen showed a deficient copper level (