Experimental investigations in post-mortem protein degradation.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biochemistry
• Postmortem Studies

Background:

• Understanding postmortem changes in body fluids is crucial for forensic investigations.
• Thoracic fluid composition evolves significantly after death due to enzymatic and bacterial activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the temporal dynamics of protein, amino acid, and amine changes in canine thoracic fluid.
• To differentiate between early autoenzymatic and later bacteriological influences on decomposition.

Main Methods:

• Samples of canine thoracic fluid collected at regular intervals postmortem.
• Quantitative protein analysis using two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis.
• Amino acid and amine profiling via two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography.

Main Results:

• Initial proteolytic changes are attributed to autoenzyme catalysis.
• Bacteriological processes accelerate decomposition from approximately day 20, marked by increased amino acids.
• Bacterial growth peaks, causing amino acid regression and amine appearance.
• Thoracic cavity desiccation (35-45 days) signifies a transition to terminal decay.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates distinct biochemical phases in canine postmortem decomposition.
• Bacterial activity plays a pivotal role in accelerating decomposition and altering fluid chemistry.
• These findings contribute to understanding the timeline of decomposition in forensic contexts.