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

The immunohistochemical analysis of fibronectin, collagen type III, laminin, and cytokeratin 5 in putrified skin

Fibronectin, collagen type III, laminin, and cytokeratin 5 were visualized in normal skin and in skin showing early or advanced signs of autolytic decomposition to prove whether the immunohistochemical analysis of these antigens can provide useful information for an age-estimation of skin wounds obtained from putrified corpses. In cases with early signs of decomposition (visible course of veins, greenish discoloration) and without microscopic alterations like relaxation of the epidermal cell layers or destruction of the blood vessel structures, the staining pattern was identical to that found in normal, non-putrefied skin. In skin already showing microscopic alteration of the tissue structure, fibronectin and collagen type III could not be localized unambiguously. The distribution of laminin and cytokeratin 5, however, was well preserved. In advanced putrefied skin no reliable staining results could be obtained for fibronectin, collagen type III, and laminin. Even though cytokeratin 5 was still detectable in remnants of decomposition-resistant skin appendages, no information useful for an age-estimation of skin wounds can be obtained due to the autolytic detachment of the epidermal layers.

Immunocytochemical typing of ABO blood groups in vaginal swabs partly contaminated with semen

ABH typing by immunocytochemical method has been carried out on 163 selected vaginal swabs. 127 cases (78%) were determined correctly, 11 cases (7%) incorrectly and 25 cases (15%) could not be classified. Often, not all of the vaginal cells showed the expected positive staining, which was not counted as a false result. The incorrect results were not dependent on the secretor status, but 37% of the non-secretor cases could not be classified immunocytochemically, as compared with 12% of the secretors. In a second series, 61 vaginal swabs, dried on microscope slides, have been covered with semen from an A1 B secretor. Absorption of heterologous antigens by the vaginal epithelia could be demonstrated only after extremely long incubation with semen and extremely long incubation with the anti-A or anti-B antibodies. From the 163 "native" swabs, 17 gave a positive reaction with the acid phosphatase test, but only one false ABH result. A possible influence of bacteria upon the results is discussed. We believe that in practice, no faults in immunocytochemical ABH typing have to be expected, due to absorption of heterologous antigens.

Light-microscopic examination of ABH and Lewis antigens in human tracheal and epiglottic glands using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique

The localization of ABH and Lewis antigens was examined in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human tracheal and epiglottic glands using monoclonal anti A, B, H, Lea and Leb antibodies. The mucous cells of the glands showed reactivity with antibodies corresponding to the respective ABO blood groups of the tissue donors. The mucous cells from one blood group A, Le(a-b-) individual showed no reactivity with any antibodies and those from another blood group A, Le(a-b-) individual showed reactivity only with anti A antibody. In individuals from blood group Le(a + b-) of all ABO groups, the mucous cells reacted exclusively with anti Lea. In blood group O, Le(a-b+) individuals, the mucous cells showed intense reaction with anti H and Leb antibodies and weak to moderate reactivity with anti Lea. In Le(a-b+) individuals of A1, B and A1B blood groups, the mucous cells showed strong reactivity with anti A and/or B antibodies, moderate with anti Leb, weak or no activity with anti Lea and absent with anti H. In blood group A2 Le(a-b+) individuals, the mucous cells stained with anti A were weakly stained or completely unstained with anti H antibody, but cells negative with anti A gave strong positive reactions with anti H antibody.

[Immunohistochemical study of the pattern of distribution of ABO blood group substances in male genitalia]

The distribution of the ABH antigens was investigated in 11 different sections of the male genitalia in 53 autopsy cases; the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique was used. Specific staining of the epithelia differed considerably among and between individuals. Nonsecretors showed a tendency toward less staining in the epithelia, whereas in the endothelia there was no difference. A2 cases could be recognized, as the endothelia were marked almost completely with anti-H. In A2B nonsecretor epithelia and endothelia, there was only a minimal reaction with anti-A and anti-H. Spermatozoa were irregularly stained in the ampulla of the vas deferens, whereas in the testis and epididymis no reaction could be found.

[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.

[ABH and Lewis antigens in the tracheal glands. I. Lewis-positive individuals]

Antigens A, B, H, Lea, and Leb were demonstrated in the tracheal glands of 15 Lewis-positive secretors and 15 nonsecretors by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The detection of group-specific ABH antigens in mucous epithelium and intraductal secretory fluid was dependent on the secretor character. Whereas determination of secretor character was sometimes unreliable with anti-A and anti-B, the findings obtained by additional labeling with UEA1 were consistently correct. The secretors showed minimal gland labeling with anti-Lea and intensive labeling with anti-Leb; the nonsecretors, intensive Lea labeling and weaker or absent Leb labeling. Consequently, the determination of secretor character by ABH labeling could be verified by the behavior of the Lewis antigens. Since both morphologic structures and epithelial antigens are highly resistant to putrefaction, ABO and secretor character can also be diagnosed in badly decomposed tracheal wall specimens.

Cytochemical detection of ABH antigens in human body fluids

The use of the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) technique has been described previously for the detection of cellular antigens and in particular ABO antigens from tissue samples (Pedal and Hülle 1984; Pedal and Baedeker 1985; Pedal et al. 1985). In this survey, the PAP method has been employed to study the detection of ABO antigens in cells from body fluids of particular interest to forensic science, namely buccal cells and vaginal cells. Also tested, but in a limited number, were mixtures of body fluids and semen samples. No false reactions were obtained from buccal cells, all samples corresponding to the ABO blood type of the donor. Preliminary results from vaginal cells, vaginal/buccal cell mixtures, and semen were encouraging but must be treated with caution due to the limited number tested. Vaginal smears contaminated with semen showed varying degrees of nonspecificity.