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Postmortem redistribution of THC in the pig
Bertrand Brunet1, Thierry Hauet, William Hébrard
1INSERM U927, Université de Poitiers, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, CHU de Poitiers, 6 rue de la Milétrie, BP 577, 86021, Poitiers, France. bertrand.brunet@chu-poitiers.fr
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|January 7, 2010
Summary
Postmortem redistribution of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in pigs shows blood concentrations shift after death. Lung and brain tissues offer more reliable THC levels for toxicological analysis.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Postmortem redistribution of drugs can complicate toxicological interpretation.
- Understanding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) redistribution is crucial for accurate postmortem analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the postmortem redistribution patterns of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a porcine model.
- To identify reliable biological specimens for postmortem THC concentration interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous administration of THC to Large White pigs.
- Euthanasia followed by postmortem sample collection at various time points (0-48 hours).
- Analysis of THC concentrations in blood and tissues using quantitative methods.
Main Results:
- THC concentrations in vena cava blood decreased postmortem, while cardiac blood concentrations increased.
- Blood samples from various sites did not accurately reflect perimortem THC levels.
- Lung tissue exhibited the highest THC concentrations, and brain tissue showed the most stability over time.
Conclusions:
- Postmortem redistribution of THC significantly alters blood concentrations.
- Lung and brain tissues are recommended for more reliable postmortem THC interpretation.
- Findings aid forensic toxicologists in specimen selection for cannabinoid analysis.
