Experimental evaluation of rigor mortis. VII. Effect of ante- and post-mortem electrocution on the evolution of rigor mortis.
The influence of electrocution on the evolution of rigor mortis was studied on rats. Our experiments showed that: (1) Electrocution hastens the onset of rigor mortis. After an electrocution of 90 s, a complete rigor develops already 1 h post-mortem (p.m.) compared to 5 h p.m. for the controls. (2) Electrocution hastens the passing of rigor mortis. After an electrocution of 90 s, the first significant decrease occurs at 3 h p.m. (8 h p.m. in the controls). (3) These modifications in rigor mortis evolution are less pronounced in the limbs not directly touched by the electric current. (4) In case of post-mortem electrocution, the changes are slightly less pronounced, the resistance is higher and the absorbed energy is lower as compared with the ante-mortem electrocution cases. The results are completed by two practical observations on human electrocution cases.
Krompecher
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Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Bergerioux
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C
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012298:Rigor Mortis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013405:Suicide; D013848:Thigh / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors