Investigation of the human pineal gland tissue via XRF mapping and Ca K-edge XANES spectroscopy

Our recent research revealed noticeable degenerative change in calcified concrements and soft tissue of human pineal gland (PG) with neuropathology. However, the genesis and dynamics of PG concrements’ degeneration remains to be answered. In this framework, the investigation of the PG tissue using advanced synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) mapping and X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy may add essential information on the composition of the PG concremens. The new results will contribute to the scientific knowledge base on the dynamic nature of PG calcium deposits in normal aged (healthy) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-affected PG tissues