Using μX-Ray CT to observe postmortem diffusion from the stomach in a rat model.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Toxicology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The stomach is a known site for postmortem diffusion.
• Understanding stomach diffusion aids toxicological analysis.
• Previous studies lacked real-time visualization of diffusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To visualize postmortem diffusion from the rat stomach in real-time.
• To investigate the influence of temperature and body position on diffusion.
• To establish micro-X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) as a tool for studying diffusion.

Main Methods:

• Oral gavage of caesium ions (Cs+) as a contrast medium in rats.
• Utilized micro-X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) to track Cs+ diffusion over 6 days.
• Investigated effects of temperature (4°C vs. 20°C) and body position (horizontal vs. vertical).

Main Results:

• Cs+ diffusion from the stomach was visualized over 6 days, with ~50% occurring in the first 24 hours.
• Storing rats at 4°C reduced diffusion distance by ~66%.
• Body position influenced diffusion routes, and Cs+ was found in the liver in 2/16 rats.

Conclusions:

• Micro-X-ray CT with Cs+ is effective for visualizing postmortem diffusion.
• Significant individual variation in postmortem diffusion exists.
• Refrigeration and prompt sample collection are recommended to minimize stomach diffusion effects.