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

Determination of ABO antigens in fingernails using the APAAP (immunoalkaline phosphatase) technique

Fingernail specimens with adherent nail-bed were taken from autopsy material with blood groups A, AB, B and O. Frozen 4-5-microns sections were submerged and floated carefully during each working step. Portions of fingernails were contaminated with blood and buccal cells, respectively. Furthermore, fingernail fragments of 8 volunteers were embedded in a biocomponent adhesive according to Grieve and Kotowski (Forensic Sci. Soc., 26 29-34) (1986) and cut by the usual microtome technique. APAAP staining is a proper method for demonstrating blood group antigens in fingernails from groove to margin. Frozen sections as well as smallest specimen embedded in a suitable adhesive are applicable for staining procedures. Using freshly prepared artificial stains, blood group constellations of red blood cells and/or buccal cells adherent on the surface of fingernails may be distinguished from the nail matrix.

ABO blood grouping of hairs using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique

Fifty-nine hair specimens obtained from human autopsies and volunteers were used for the determination of ABO blood group substances using the ABC (Avidin-Biotin Complex) technique. Positive staining for A, B and H blood group substances was detected only in the medulla of the hairs. Blood group antigens could not be detected in seven hair specimens because they possessed no medulla. Forty-seven specimens obtained from fresh cadavers and volunteers gave the correct results corresponding to the blood group of the donor, but some specimens from individuals of blood group A2, Le(a + b-) showed weak reaction with anti-A and strong reaction with anti-H. The staining intensity with anti-B and -H in some individuals of blood group AB was stronger than with anti-A serum. Five hair specimens obtained from decomposed bodies were also examined. The blood group antigens could be specifically detected in hairs obtained from two exhumed and one putrid body, but no positive reactions were obtained from two cases of drowning where the bodies had been in the sea for about 6 months. In a blind trial, hair specimens from 28 individuals were also examined. Twenty-two specimens which possessed a medulla gave the correct result. Six specimens gave no result because they possessed no medulla.

[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.