Investigation of Pathogenic Mineralization on Human Heart Valves. II. ESR Spectroscopy.

Pathogenic mineral precipitates on human heart valves (cardiolytes) were studied by electronic paramagnetic resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Inorganic (<MATH>{\rm CO}_2^-</MATH>, <MATH>{\rm CO}_3^{3-}</MATH>) and organic (CH3, etc.) radicals were recorded in the valves under irradiation. The possibility for the spectrum of the <MATH>{\rm CO}_2^-</MATH> radical to be used for evaluating the relative amount of the crystalline apatite phase in cardiolyte was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]