[The research of relationship between DNA degradation and postmortem interval].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between the DNA degradation in cells and postmortem interval.


METHODS
Tissue pieces of the heart, liver, spleen and kidney of one corpse (male, 54 years old, died of mechanical injury, PMI of 6h) were obtained in 6, 12, 24, 48 h after death, fixed in Carnoy fluid, and then paraffin sections were prepared, stained with Feulgen and analyzed by Image analysis technology (IAT). Meanwhile the single-cell suspension of tissues of the man was prepared and inspected by FCM after PI stained.


RESULTS
The amount of DNA of in heart, liver and kidney of human had a repid degraded in first 6 hours after death, that in the spleen showed a better relationship between DNA degradation and PMI. The results was verified by FCM and IAT.


CONCLUSIONS
The degradation of DNA of and human tissues shows a well relationship with PMI, especially in spleen. It is useful in estimation of PMI.
Chen
Xin
X
Shanghai Institute of Criminal Science & Technology, Shanghai 200083, China. ch-sir@hotmail.com
Shen
Yi-wen
YW
Gu
Yun-ju
YJ
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D013154:Spleen / Q000378:metabolism; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors
D004247:DNA