[Microbial contamination of ABO antigens in bone tissue]

[Explanation of nonspecific serologic reactions in decomposed bone tissue]

Bone fragments were stored in water for 2 years at room temperature and investigated serologically using the following methods: Absorption-elution, extraction of blood group substances and immunohistochemistry (PAP). All 3 methods gave essentially specific results for fresh bone tissue but with putrid bone tissue unspecific reactions were found predominantly with the absorption-elution and PAP techniques. In contrast, more specific reactions were obtained from the extracts although they were much weaker. From this it can be concluded that pure physical binding plays a substantial role in the unspecific reaction between antibodies and bone material. It is suggested that the relevant physical properties are altered by putrification.

[Immunochemical and chromatographic determination of ABH antigens in compact bone tissue]

The identification of ABH antigens from compact bone tissue is known from many sources. The purpose of this study was to make a contribution to the localization of blood-group-active substances in compact bone tissue. A variety of preparation and identification methods were successfully used and compared. Samples were extracted from compact bone tissue, separated by HPTLC, and examined using the absorption-elution and PAP techniques. Additionally, the PAP technique was carried out on cryostat sections. Serologically active blood-group substances were consistently demonstrated in the organic components of the haversian canals.

[Immunoenzyme AB0 blood group determination using a single hair. I]

The immunoenzyme technique was used to determine the ABO blood group of strands of human scalp hair. The hair was obtained from 168 individuals of known blood groups (A1: n = 58; A2: n = 11; B: n = 28; O: n = 46; A1B: n = 16; A2B: n = 9). Immunostaining was carried out by using monoclonal anti-A, anti-B and anti-H as primary antibodies. Group-specific staining was clearly observed within the medulla of the hair. The ABO blood group of all hair samples was determined correctly by the Sternberger (PAP) or APAAP (immunoalkaline phosphatase) technique. The present study indicates that immunoenzyme techniques can be regarded as practical methods for determining ABO blood group of hair.

[Determination of the blood group properties of bones subjected to the decay process]

The aim of the present study was to make generalizations concerning the results of serological examinations of bones subjected to the process of decay. The specimens examined were taken from the femur. Some of the specimens had been subjected to decay for a period of some years, after which they were examined using the absorption-elution method in accordance with classical principles. Finally, successive dilutions of eluted antibodies were performed with a view to establishing the "antigenic force" of the material under examination. It was found that, owing to the process of bone decay, there is a decrease in the original "antigenic force", which is accompanied by the appearance (in a weak form) of non-specific serological reactions, which are much weaker in strength than specific ones. It was concluded that for the interpretation of the actual blood group of decayed bones the term "diagnostic" can only be applied to a range of dilutions not exceeding that of non-specific agglutinations.

[Value of bacteriologic studies within the scope of forensic autopsies]

The various questions regarding bacteriological investigations within the scope of forensic autopsies are discussed in the light of our own cases and with regard to the relevant literature: estimate of the age of the corpse on the basis of decomposition changes caused by bacteria; determination of so-called bacteriograms from the point of view of criminalistics; supplementary investigations of the cause of death. Iatrogenic infections (e.g., gangrene) are gone into in more detail, as is so-called infantile botulism within the scope of the "sudden infant death syndrome". Finally, it is pointed out that when doing forensic autopsies, thought should also be given to illnesses that have only been known for a few years, examples being legionnaires' disease and the toxic shock syndrome ("tampon sickness").

[Immunoenzyme demonstration of isoantigens A, B and H in kidney tissue changed by putrefaction]

In contrast to blood serology, which usually fails in specimens more than a few days old, immunohistochemistry (PAP technique) provided reliable information on the blood group (ABO) and, in most cases, also the secretor character of 23 kidney specimens stored for months at room temperature. Better results were obtained with monoclonal antibodies than with human sera. In the late stages of decomposition, blood group diagnosis is based on the more decomposition-resistant antigens of the collecting tubular epithelium (in secretors) and the endothelia of the arteriolae medullares rectae and not on the identification of erythrocytic antigens. In addition, a decomposition-resistant epithelial antigen in the distal convoluted tubules (Tc II) is unmasked by autolysis or heterolysis. "Blood group" antigens were frequently detected in bacteria and fungi. These antigens, however, were clearly distinguishable from blood group characters of the tissue. A transient, weak, false-positive reaction with monoclonal anti-B appeared in decomposed Tc II epithelia.