Estimation of time since death based on light microscopic, electron microscopic, and electrolyte analysis in the gingival tissue

Sivagami Muthukrishnan, Malathi Narasimhan, Sampath Kumar Paranthaman, Thamizhchelvan Hari, Pushpa Viswanathan, Sharada T RajanJournal of Forensic Dental Sciences 2018 10(1):34-39 Background: Estimation of time since death is an important parameter in forensic science. Although there are various methods available, precise estimation is still to be established. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the histological and ultrastructural changes in the gingival tissue along with the changes in electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) among the three groups which included normal, 2, and 4 h since death. Materials and Methods: For light microscopic examination and electrolyte analysis, five normal gingival tissue samples were collected from patient following impaction procedure and five gingival tissue samples were obtained from postmortem specimen at 2 and 4 h since death. Each sample was divided into two parts. The first part was fixed in 10% formalin solution for the light microscopic analysis, and microscopic changes were observed between the groups. The second part was snap frozen at −80°C, until measurement of electrolyte using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer, and the values were compared among the groups using Kruskal–Wallis test. For electron microscopic examination 2 and 4 h postmortem, gingival tissue samples were collected from the same individual and immediately fixed in ...
Source: Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences - Category: Dentistry Authors: Source Type: research