Related Experiment Videos
Postmortem redistribution of morphine and its metabolites
1Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 29, 2000
Summary
Postmortem redistribution of morphine and its metabolites is unlikely in heroin-related deaths. Blood concentrations remained similar across different body regions and over time, suggesting stable levels after death.
Area of Science:
- Forensic toxicology
- Clinical chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Postmortem redistribution (PMR) can alter drug concentrations in blood after death.
- Morphine and its metabolites (M3G, M6G) are key indicators in heroin overdose cases.
- Accurate interpretation of drug levels is crucial for forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of postmortem redistribution of morphine and its glucuronides.
- To determine if significant changes occur in blood concentrations over time and between different sampling sites.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood samples from 40 heroin-related deaths.
- Measurement of morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, and morphine-6-glucuronide concentrations.
- Comparison of drug levels in subclavian, heart, and femoral blood, as well as between admission and autopsy samples.
Main Results:
- Morphine and metabolite concentrations were similar across subclavian, heart, and femoral blood samples.
- A non-significant trend for higher heart blood concentrations was observed.
- No significant differences were found between admission and autopsy blood samples, even after an average postmortem interval of 59 hours.
Conclusions:
- Significant postmortem redistribution of morphine and its metabolites appears unlikely.
- Findings suggest that blood morphine levels may be relatively stable postmortem, aiding in forensic interpretation.