Micro-PIXE with 3.5 MeV protons for the study of low copper concentrations in atherosclerotic artery

The onset and progression of many degenerative diseases including atherosclerosis, have been shown to directly link the presence/absence certain metal ions. Consequently, detection these ions in tissues may improve understanding driving pathophysiology. Cu content during atherosclerosis development has not studied due its low concentration involved. In this work, level atherosclerotic rabbit tissue is determined using PIXE with a 3.5 MeV proton beam. arteries three animal groups fed different diets were studied: group 1, rabbits on normal standard diet, 2, High Fat Diet (HFD) 3, HFD + Zinc diet. supplement proven inhibit beginning lesion. result study shows that levels all lesions lower than arterial walls samples group.