Abstract:The distribution of metal elements within brain regions closely associated with the physiological functions of the brain, the pathogenesis of diseases, as well as the development of novel strategies for neurological disorders. The present study conducted quantitative analysis and in situ imaging of metal elements in rat brains by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The results of element quantitative analysis were used to study the brain distribution characteristics, statistical analysis, and correlation analysis. The results demonstrated that there were substantial disparities in both the content and distribution of metal elements in rat brains, and this might be associated with the physiological functions and metabolic activities specific to different brain regions. Magnesium and zinc show higher abundance in the brain, and are predominantly distributed in the corpus callosum, caudoputamen, lateral septal nucleus, fimbria, and lateral olfactory tract. Copper is primarily distributed in lateral septal nucleus, fimbria, and the third ventricle. Trace metals such as chromium and nickel are mainly distributed in corpus callosum. LA-ICP-MS provide in situ imaging to monitor the spatial distribution of elements within the body, which can be harnessed to investigate the role of metal elements in neurological diseases and disclose potential health hazards.