[Organ and species identification of liver microparticles using forensic cytology and quantitative enzyme-linked...

To establish organ affiliation of liver microparticles using forensic cytological method based on hepatocytes' morphological characteristics and to determine their species belonging according to the human IgG_total using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Previously dried microparticles (from 0.2×0.1 to 0.2×0.3 cm in size) of the liver taken from the corpses of 8 people without signs of liver disease were examined. The samples were investigated using forensic cytological and quantitative ELISA methods by the «total-IgG-ELISA-HEMA» test-kit.

The possibility of determining organ affiliation of the liver microparticles based on hepatocytes' morphological characteristics stained with acrichine, acridine orange and azure-eosin has been demonstrated. It has been established that the high sensitivity and specificity of quantitative ELISA allow to determine the origin of liver microparticles from human. Optical density and IgG_total concentration in whole extracts were determined, optimal values of minimum and maximum calibration samples, namely 0.078±0.010-2.372±0.019 c.u., were obtained.

The obtained data can be used by experts of forensic biological units in establishing organ and species affiliation of liver microparticles found on trauma guns using forensic cytology and quantitative ELISA methods.