[The expressions of HSP 70 mRNA and c-fos mRNA in the skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle of rabbits by electrocuted].
OBJECTIVE
To study the changes of HSP 70 mRNA and c-fos mRNA expression and to find a method to differentiate antemortem from postmortem electrocution.


METHODS
Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups, the antemortem electrocution group, the postmortem electrocution group, and the control group. Each group consists of five rabbits. The levels of HSP 70 mRNA and c-fos mRNA in skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle were examined with quantitative fluorescent RT-PCR.


RESULTS
The levels of HSP 70 mRNA and c-fos mRNA in the antemortem electrocution group increased significantly (P<0.05), compared with that of the postmortem electrocution group.


CONCLUSIONS
The changes of HSP 70 mRNA and c-fos mRNA expression in skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle can be used as an indicator to distinguish antemortem from postmortem electrocution.
Wang
Ye
Y
West China school of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. yellpath007@scu.edu.cn
Liu
Min
M
Cheng
Wei-bo
WB
He
Gui-qiong
GQ
Li
Fan
F
Liao
Zhi-gang
ZG
D000818:Animals; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000378:metabolism*; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation
D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D012333:RNA, Messenger