Elemental analysis of atherosclerotic plaque by ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS

Atherosclerosis can be described as narrowing the lumen of an artery due to the build-up of plaque. Chemical composition of an atherosclerotic plaque strongly depends on its clinically important stability. The aim of a study was elemental analysis of atherosclerotic plaque by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and creating the elemental distribution maps by using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Elements such as Li, Mg, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Pb were successfully quantified, with the greatest content of typical calcification components: Ca and Mg. LA-ICP-MS analysis was performed with no need of sample mineralization. Inhomogeneous distribution of several elements was observed, again mainly in case of calcification (Ca, Mg, Sr, P). Moreover, the influence of sample preparation was stated. Lyophilisation enhanced analytes concentration, but also caused the loss of several elements, such as Pb or S.