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PubMed1980

Dose responses of cerebral arteries of the dog, rabbit, and man to human hemoglobin in vitro.

Dose responses in vitro of the basilar arteries of the dog, rabbit, and man to human hemoglobin and reported. For each species, the response occurred over a range of 10(-9)M to greater than 10(-5)M hemoglobin. When compared to a maximum serotonin contraction, the relative constriction induced by 10(-5)M hemoglobin was greater in the rabbit than in the dog, which in turn was greater than in man. The comparatively weak response of the human arteries is probably attributable to postmortem changes.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

[Thickness variation of the dural sac].

OBJECTIVE: To measure carefully the thickness of the dural sac and evaluate possible variation in recently removed human specimens that had not yet undergone postmortem change. The thickness of the dural membrane is of interest because of its function as a barrier during diffusion processes and during closure of spinal lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After receiving the consent of our hospital's ethics committee and the family of the deceased, and immediately after extraction of organs for transplantation, we removed the dural sac and nerves contained therein from the cadaver of 56-year-old patient diagnosed of brain death. The membrane was dissected and 240 measurements of thickness were made over the entire surface of the sample. A micrometer was used, controlled through a surgical microscope. To analyze variations in thickness, the specimen was divided into 48 zones. RESULTS: The dural sac open on its anterior side was treated as a rectangular membrane measuring 130 x 54 mm. Mean thickness of the sample was 0.322 mm. Mean thickness of anterior zones was 0.353 mm, with no significant differences among them. Posterior zones measured a mean 0.295 mm with significant differences among them (p < 0.001). Up to the second lumbar root, anterior and posterior zone thicknesses presented no significant differences. However, after the space between the second and third lumbar roots, the posterior side was significantly thinner. Where the first, second and third lumbar roots emerged, we measured thicknesses of 0.315, 0.361 and 0.322 mm, with no significant differences among anterior, posterior and side zones on any level. At the fourth lumbar root and in the spaces of the dura mater between the emergence of the first and second, the second and third, the third and fourth and fourth and fifth lumbar roots, we observed significant differences. The measurements were 0.298 mm (p < 0.01); 0.348 mm (p < 0.01); 0.337 mm (p < 0.001), 0.306 mm (p < 0.01); 0.289 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Possible inter- or intra-individual variation in dural sac thickness is an unpredictable variable affecting the management of dural lesions. The data we report on thickness allow for future objective assessment of the maximum sizes recommended for the lateral orifices of bevelled, pencil-point needles in order to avoid straddling the membrane when subarachnoid anesthesia is given. The data also contributes to the study of substance diffusion through this membrane.

Dura Mater↗

PubMed2002

[Application of the HLA system to forensic medicine--from serology to DNA polymorphism].

HLA antigens are highly polymorphic and therefore considered useful for personal identification in forensic medicine. The HLA system was first applied to forensic medicine for serological typing and is currently being applied to DNA typing. We first applied the HLA system to serological typing for paternity testing. Exclusion of paternity was confirmed in 39 of 93 cases. While serological HLA typing and other testing yielded consistent results in 37 of these 39 cases, exclusion of paternity could be confirmed only by serological HLA typing in 1 case and only by other testing in 1 case. Even in cases where exclusion could not be confirmed, it was possible to increase the probability of paternity. Bloodstains with known HLA types were then subjected to lymphocytotoxic inhibition tests to detect HLA antigens using one of the following methods: a two-stage method using an antibody and a bloodstain extract; a one-stage method where a bloodstain was allowed to react directly with an antiserum; or a washing method where washing was combined with one of the two above methods. Although HLA antigen detection was possible using any of these methods, some antisera yielded false-positive reactions, which limited the range of usable antisera. With the exception of cross-reactions, the washing method eliminated false-positive reactions. Antigens were detectable in bloodstains that were left to stand for up to 42 days. DNA typing based on the HLA system was investigated by determining DR and DQB1 types using the Hot Start PCR-SSP method with various samples of known HLA types and tissue samples collected from unidentified corpses. With bloodstains, DR typing was possible in all 61 cases, while DQB1 typing was possible in 31 of 33 cases. DR typing was possible even when bloodstains had been stored for 10 to 20 years. With saliva stains, typing was possible in all cases by purifying DNA using a Microcon 100 microconcentrator. With hair samples, typing was possible with all hair root samples and about half of hair shaft samples. With mixed stains, the detection of minor components was possible even at a low mixing ratio of 10:1. With cigarette butts, as was the case with saliva stains, typing was possible using purified DNA. Lipstick did not affect the results of DNA typing. Although DNA typing was possible in many cases using tissue samples collected from unidentified corpses, the results were affected by factors such as status of corpse, postmortem interval, postmortem change and tissue type. With some aorta samples, for example, typing was possible up to one year after death. The results of typing were also fairly favorable using bone samples.

DNA↗

PubMed2005

Maternal death due to non-traumatic fat embolism.

The aim of this report is to document a case of non-traumatic fat embolism (NTFE) and to address the need for considerition of fat embolism in suspicious deaths resulting from respiratory distress in the postpartum period. A 28-years-old woman autopsied at the Morgue Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine is included to the study. This female became unconscious and developed respiratory distress 4 h after delivery, and this was followed by respiratory arrest. External examination revealed resuscitation marks and normal postmortem changes. Light microscopy revealed massive fat embolization involving most of the alveolar capillaries on several sections. Only in one particular area was a bone marrow embolus. Pathological diagnosis of the lung was diffuse pulmonary fat embolism. There was no evidence of other organ involvement with emboli. Other visceral organs showed no striking findings other than mild congestion. The cause of death was considered to be respiratory insufficiency resulting from severe fat embolism of the lungs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Problems in applying a rapid assay kit for cardiac troponin T to medico-legal blood samples].

It is difficult to diagnose cardiac-related death only by external examination. However, in the areas where no medical examiner system is established, the diagnosis is made mostly from the findings by external examination. Clinically, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) rapid assay kits are used for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. The kits have started being applied to forensic medicine and used for the diagnosis of cardiac-related death without exact evidence. In this study, we collected postmortem blood samples from 110 forensic autopsy cases and evaluated the utility of the kits in the field of forensic medicine. Blood samples collected from the left and the right parts of the hearts showed extremely high positive rates (95.1% each), and peripheral blood samples also showed very high positive rates (71.2%), although cardiac-related deaths were only 7 cases of all 110 cases. Because cTnT concentration of postmortem blood samples is affected by non-cardiac-related natural death, postmortem changes, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the results from using the kits are not reliable in determining the cause of death. We conclude that the kits cannot be applied in forensic medicine.

Autopsy↗

PubMed1991

Forensic toxicology and insects: a minireview.

In cases of suspicious death, various postmortem changes and the insect species infesting the corpse have been employed to compute the time of death. Recently, chemical analysis of the life stages of insects infesting the corpse has revealed poisons and drugs consumed for suicide in the body of the deceased. This new area can provide proof of the cause of death. It is recommended that whether or not there is suitable tissue samples for the analysis, the developmental stages of insects thriving on the carcass should always be collected as exhibits for analysis.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

Isolation and characterization of a virus associated with progressive pneumonia (maedi) of sheep.

A virus with growth and morphologic characteristics of progressive pneumonia (maedi-visna) virus was isolated from the lungs of sheep with typical clinical and postmortem changes of chronic progressive pneumonia. The virus grew slowly in cultures of embryonic ovine lung cells, causing syncytial formation and degeneration. Syncytia developed much slower and involved fewer cells than reported for other similar viruses isolated from sheep. As seen with the electron microscope, the virus reproduced by budding from cell surfaces. Two types of virions were seen-a large particle (120 to 140 nm) with an electron-lucent center and dense laminated outer rim, and a small particle (80 to 110 nm) with an electron-dense core surrounded by a single membrane. Viral structures and fragments similar to the large extracellular particles were seen in the cytoplasm of a few cells. These characteristics are reported for other viruses isolated from sheep with progressive pneumonia.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Sudden death case of single coronary artery with special reference to the effect of ischemia on actomyosin.

A normal single left coronary artery was found in a high school boy who died suddenly after Rugby football practice. He had an infarct lesion in the posterior wall where there was no perfusion because of the absence of the right coronary artery. There was no significant lesion in the anterior wall except for contraction band necrosis. Myoglobin diffusion paralleled the extent of necrosis. The case was useful in evaluating the effects of ischemia on a human subject because variations due to personality and postmortem changes were not involved. Actomyosin ATPase activity was not different among the various infarct and non-infarct regions examined except in one infarct region where it was higher.

Actomyosin↗

PubMed1989

A system for long-term corneal perfusion.

Seventy-two human corneas were maintained in a perfusion system at 37 degrees C and 18 mm Hg intracameral pressure for 1 to 3 weeks. Corneal thickness, which was initially greater than normal because the enucleated eyes were kept at 4 degrees C before excision of the corneas, decreased slowly during the period of incubation. Endothelial removal or perfusion with ouabain (10(-4) M) induced irreversible stromal swelling. Cooling to 4 degrees C for 8 hr during perfusion caused stromal swelling that disappeared after rewarming to 37 degrees C; less stromal swelling occurred with cooling after 3 weeks of perfusion than after 3 days. No enlargement of central endothelial cells was noted in most corneas by serial specular microscopy. Electron microscopy demonstrated reversal of postmortem changes and maintenance of normal intracellular ultrastructure for 3 weeks. This system for long-term corneal perfusion will allow controlled studies of the effects of new methods of corneal preservation and other perturbations upon the corneal endothelium in situ.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

[Status of the adrenal medulla in various types of sudden cardiac death].

The status of adrenal medulla was examined in 65 cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD) by using a quantitative histofluorescence technique and Wood's method. The autopsy material included a control group (11 accidental victims). In terms of postmortem changes in the myocardium, 6 groups of SCD cases were singled out. Medullary catecholamines showed greater luminescence intensity in the groups where SCD had been accompanied with hypertensive disease, scarring myocardial infarction and alcoholic cardiomyopathy than in the control group. On the contrary, lower luminescence intensity of catecholamines in chromaffin tissue of the adrenal gland was observed in the groups where SCD had been associated with acute myocardial infarction and small focal cardiosclerosis. The rate of catecholamine luminescence intensity in the group where SCD had occurred with postinfarction cardiosclerosis did not differ from that seen in controls. The findings from the quantitative histofluorescence analysis of adrenal medulla in SCD were in accord with the results obtained from a light optic study of adrenal glands in the same cases by employing Wood's method.

Adrenal Medulla↗

PubMed1987

Cytogenetic evaluation of fetal death: the role of amniocentesis.

Fetal death can be associated with chromosomal abnormalities. Because of the degree of tissue maceration and autolysis seen in stillborn fetuses, it is often impossible to successfully culture these tissues for cytogenetic studies. We performed genetic amniocentesis in four cases of fetal death and were successful in obtaining cytogenetic results in all four, whereas the culture of fetal tissues for cytogenetics was successful in only one case. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in three of the four cases, including two fetuses with Down's syndrome and one fetus with Turner's syndrome. Because of the importance of cytogenetic studies in most cases of fetal death, we recommend amniocentesis at the time of diagnosis rather than waiting for delivery of fetal tissues, when postmortem changes may make it impossible to successfully culture fetal cells.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

The morphology of Australian aboriginal brains--documentation of eight cases.

Cortical morphology of the brains of eight Western Australian Aboriginals was documented. Sulcal patterns permitted classification of the brains into separate groups. Characteristic patterns were found for the shape of the prosencephalon and for the insular, parietooccipital, and frontal cortex in the aboriginal group. The length of the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes and the width of the temporal lobes was measured. Length, width, and height of the Aboriginal prosencephalons were compared to measurements of eleven Caucasian brains. Postmortem changes, genetic differences, and factors influencing brain development were discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

Myelin deficiency (md): a neurologic mutant in the Wistar rat.

Myelin deficiency (md), a newly discovered neurologic mutation in the Wistar rat, is transmitted by an X-linked, recessive lethal gene. Male rats are affected, and the first symptom is a head tremor recognizable at 12 to 15 days of age. The tremors become generalized within a few days and disappear when the animal is at rest. In the later stages, from 17 to 21 days of age, the slightest disturbance will precipitate a generalized seizure. Pups die within 30 days after birth. The only gross postmortem change is a gray color of the spinal cord instead of its normally white appearance. Microscopic findings reveal total lack of myelin formation at all levels of the central nervous system.

Animals↗

PubMed1981

Prenatal development of the endocardium: a review.

The chronology of SEM studies of the embryonic endocardium is followed in this review by discussion of species, stages and localizations studied. In reviewing the methodology of SEM studies of the embryonic endocardium, particular weight is given to standard methods which can be applied to all species of interest. Two main aspects are more deeply analysed: the perfusion fixation and the effects of the osmolarity of the fixative vehicle. Using these standardized techniques, the embryonic endocardium of chick, mouse, dog, human and, to a lesser extent, rat hearts are described in SEM. All species investigated presented microvilli ruffles, filopodia, cytosegresomes, intercellular openings and phagocytes. Marginal folds, lamellipodia, dividing cells and incomplete endocardium could be observed in some species only. Each of these microappendages is discussed in relationship to observations of other authors on four levels - embryonic endocardium, adult endocardium, embryonic endothelium and adult endothelium. The general tendency in differentiation of the embryonic endocardium results in a progressive loss of the majority of the microappendages mentioned. Contrary to a relative absence of interspecific differences in endocardial morphology as seen in SEM, there is a strong variation of this morphology relating to the intracardiac localization of the endocardial cells. The discovery of autolytic postmortem changes in the material from pregnancies terminated by prostaglandins leads to the recommendation that the further use of this source of embryonic and fetal material be discouraged. Finally, the modifications of the morphology of embryonic endocardial cells under the effects of cytochalasin B, altered hemodynamics, and the hereditary congenital heart defects of the Keeshond strain of dogs are discussed, using the above-mentioned principles of four levels.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nutritional encephalomalacia in turkeys: diagnosis and growth performance.

An outbreak of neurological disease in 2 1/2-to-3 1/2-week-old male turkey poults was diagnosed morphologically as nutritional encephalomalacia. About 20 to 30% of the flock of 6360 showed clinical signs, which included going down with legs extended or hock-sitting and inability to get up, incoordination, weakness, staggering, trembling, torticollis, and opisthotonus. The most important gross postmortem changes were found in the brain, which consisted of an enlarged and swollen cerebellum with focal and/or diffuse hemorrhages. Major histopathological alterations included congestion, hemorrhages, necrosis, and malacia associated with hyaline capillary thrombi affecting the cerebellar cortex and adjacent white matter. Except for a slightly higher mortality, flock performance compared favorably with performance of other flocks grown in the same farm as well as with the national average for market tom turkeys.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1993

[Two cases of personal identification based on characteristic findings in hard tissue of human remains].

Two cases of personal identification based on the characteristic findings observed in the bones and teeth of unknown human remains are reported. In Case 1, a skeletonized cadaver could be identified as a 49-year-old male because the autopsy findings of the left clavicle of the cadaver, which was previously operated with metallic screw and wire after fracture, corresponded to the characteristic findings in an antemortem X-ray picture of the presumed person. In Case 2, a cadaver discovered at the seaside, could be identified as a 55-year-old male by comparison between ante- and postmortem dental X-ray findings such as root canal treatment and disease (radicular cyst) including the anatomical characteristics of the root. In forensic practice of personal identification of cadavers with advanced postmortem changes, it seems really important to find out an antemortem medical and/or dental chart and X-ray pictures as well as thorough examination for hard tissue of human remains.

Bone and Bones↗

PubMed1998

Immunocytochemical localization of glutamate in normal and detached cat retina.

PURPOSE: Glutamate immunoreactivity in the mammalian retina has generally been observed using immersion fixation. The authors investigated glutamate immunoreactivity in the detached cat retina and reevaluated this activity in the normal retina using rapid fixation by perfusion. METHODS: Unilateral retinal detachment was produced in cats by injecting 0.25% sodium hyaluronate into the subretinal space using a glass micropipet. The eyes were fixed by perfusion with a mixture of 1% glutaraldehyde and 4% formaldehyde 10 minutes and 60 minutes after detachment, and then they were examined by conventional light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: In contrast to previous reports based on immersion fixation, the inner segment was not glutamate immunopositive in the normal retina. The inner segment showed intense glutamate immunoreactivity 10 minutes and 60 minutes after retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: Glutamate immunoreactivity in photoreceptor inner segments may be a postmortem change induced by strong ischemia. Perfusion fixation is of critical importance when studying the immunocytochemical distribution of glutamate in the retina.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Differences in morphological age-related dental changes depending on postmortem interval.

Morphological methods for age estimation from teeth have been developed and applied to samples without taking the postmortem interval into consideration. We studied differences in morphological age-related changes between fresh extracted teeth and teeth from human skeletal remains in order to develop appropriate dental age estimation methods according to the time after death. Forty-three permanent teeth from dental patients were compared to 37 teeth obtained from human skeletal remains with a postmortem interval from 21 to 37 years. Morphological age-related changes were investigated by measuring variables on intact and half-sectioned teeth. A new computer assisted image analysis procedure to avoid subjectivity was developed to measure variables in sectioned specimens. Dental color, translucency length, attrition, cementum apposition, and secondary dentin showed higher values in teeth from human skeletal remains than in fresh extracted teeth. Variables obtained by morphometric analysis of computer-generated images (tooth length, tooth width, root length, and root area) showed higher values in fresh extracted teeth than in teeth from skeletal remains. The postmortem interval affects age-related morphological changes, and therefore different methods should be used for teeth of unknown postmortem interval.

Adult↗