Haptoglobin phenotyping by polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing and its application to simultaneous typing of serum proteins

A simple isoelectric focusing method for haptoglobin (HP) typing is described. Serum was pretreated first with C. perfringens neuraminidase (CPN) and then with dithiothreitol (DTT). The treated serum was subjected to polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (PAGIF), and the band patterns were detected by immunoblotting. The method could be successfully applied to HP typing of bloodstains as old as 2 months. A slight modification of it enabled HP, complement component C81, and factor I (IF) to be typed simultaneously. The immunoblotting facilitated preservation of HP patterns. Thus, the PAGIF method for HP typing is suitable for routine use in the forensic laboratory.     

Agarose gel electrophoresis of human erythrocyte glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT EC 2.6.1.2)

The method of choice to determine erythrocyte glutamate-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) including rare variants was starch gel electrophoresis. Methods using agarose as gel medium were not reported to our knowledge. We present an adapted method using the Tris/maleate buffer system and an agarose of low endosmosis. The common as well as rare variant types of GPT were quickly and reliably separated. In addition, a method for the consecutive determination of esterase D (ESD) and GPT on the same gel using the malic acid buffer system is described.     

A high selective screening test for methamphetamine in human urine

A high selective screening test (Ad-Tip method) for methamphetamine in human urine has been devised. The method involves a brief extraction from a urine sample with an Ad-Tip (ODS-silica minicolumn), washing, eluting with modified Simon's reagent, and coloration with carbonate buffer. Detection limit of methamphetamine in urine is 1 microgram/ml and the test takes within 3 min/sample. The results of the Ad-Tip method were almost identical to those of laboratory analyses.     

Isoelectric focusing studies on the PGM1 subtypes in the northern Japanese population

The distribution of the human red cell phosphoglucomutase (PGM1) subtypes in samples from Japanese population (n = 277) living in the Miyagi Prefecture, the northern part of Japan, was investigated by applying the thinlayer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing. In our population sample all the ten common phenotypes were demonstrated, and the estimated allele frequencies for the genes PGM1+1, PGM1-1, PGM2+1, and PGM2-1 were 0.671, 0.107, 0.161, and 0.061, respectively. Family studies (n = 40) indicated an autosomal codominant inheritance and confirmed the four alleles. The new system will increase the probability of exclusion in paternity cases among Japanese to 29.4% compared with 14.3% if the two allele system is used.     

Sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome in the Mariana Islands

Sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS) is a distinct clinical entity in previously healthy, young, Southeast Asian males. It is well known in the Philippines and more recently recognized in the U.S. by nonspecific autopsy findings, with no evidence of underlying disease and absence of toxic drug or alcohol levels. In 1973-89, 14 cases of apparent SUNDS came to coroner's autopsy in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) and Guam. All 14 cases, with the exception of one Yapese, were previously healthy, male Filipinos, aged 23 to 55, who were either found dead in bed, or described by their colleagues as having nocturnal seizure activity consisting of gurgling, frothing, and tongue biting immediately prior to death. Autopsy findings showed no anatomic findings to account for death. Comprehensive serum and urine drug analyses were negative. All decedents showed absence of significant atherosclerosis or grossly detectable structural cardiac anomaly, while four showed cardiomegaly. Migrants from Southeast Asia carry with them a pre-disposition to this syndrome, which appears to decline with longer residence in the new country. The mechanism of death in SUNDS is believed to be ventricular fibrillation, possibly precipitated by sudden sympathetic discharge. Studies suggest at least some deaths may be associated with an abnormal cardiac conduction system. Acute pancreatitis has been a finding in some series, but not our cases. Why the condition is virtually limited to males and seemingly sleep-triggered, has not been adequately explained. Stress and depression are believed to be predisposing factors.     

HIV-infection in forensic autopsy cases

Sudden and unexpected death and violent death of persons with a high risk of acquiring HIV-infections, especially homosexual males and intravenous drug abusers, have to be investigated by forensic autopsies. Therefore every forensic pathologist has to be aware of this infection and should try to make the proper diagnosis. Three typical cases are described: (1) suicide by hanging, (2) homicide by cutting the throat and (3) intravenous heroin overdose. Merely retrospectively it could be cleared up that the deceased were homosexual but did not manifestly suffer from AIDS. The morphological findings in the lymph nodes and the postmortem serological findings are described in detail.     

Phenol: tissue distribution in a fatality

A case is reported where phenol, a disinfectant, was ingested and resulted in the death of a 40-year-old white female. Concentrations of phenol were determined in blood (130 mg/L), urine (47 mg/L), bile (187 mg/L), brain (486 mg/kg), kidney (331 mg/kg), muscle (204 mg/kg), liver (228 mg/kg), and stomach content (668 mg) and compared to other cases reported in the literature.