Two-Dimensional Mapping of Copper and Zinc in Liver Sections by Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

in organ tissues. Although most mapping techniques, such as histologic staining methods, have been devel-oped for element imaging on a subcellular level, many suffer from either low precision or poor detection limits. Therefore, small variations in elemental distribution cannot be identified. We developed a method for two-dimensional mapping of trace elements to identify the influence of metabolic zonation by the liver on trace element distribution. Methods: A prepared homogeneous Certified Reference Material (CRM; LGC 7112, pig liver) was used to char-acterize the laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in terms of precision. Different isotopes for copper and zinc were monitored, and the use of carbon as an internal standar