Cesium determination in physiological fluids and tissues by field desorption mass spectrometry.

Quantitative ultratrace analysis (10 nmol to 10 mumol/l) of cesium in biological samples such as human body fluids and animal tissues is performed without any prior purification or concentration steps. The normal level of cesium ions in heart cells was determined. After poisoning these cells with high concentrations of the alkali cation much higher levels were found inside the cells then had been suggested previously. It is demonstrated that field desorption mass spectrometry is a unique tool for the qualitative and quantitative investigations of metal cations in biological material.