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Autopsies on two native American Mummies
Abstract:
An interdisciplinary team performed autopsies on an adult male and an infant male mummy from the American Southwest. Cause of death has not been determined for the infant. The presence of an unhealed skull fracture associated with an apparent hematoma in the adult male is suggestive of trauma as the cause of death in the adult. Evidence of disease is minimal. Analysis of powder thought to be dried blood from the thoracic cavity of the adult suggests the presence of human IgG. The instability of this protein may indicate the presence of proteolytic activity by enzymes that degrade immunoglobulins upon rehydration. The possibility of enzymatic degradation of proteins will be an important factor in future studies of such immunoglobulins in mummy remains and also indicates the importance of maintaining the desiccated condition of mummy tissues.
Insights
Autopsies on mummies revealed potential trauma in an adult male due to a skull fracture. Analysis suggests human IgG was present, but rehydration may degrade proteins in mummy remains.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Bioarchaeology
- Forensic Anthropology
Background:
- Autopsies were conducted on two mummified individuals (adult male, infant male) from the American Southwest.
- The study aimed to determine causes of death and analyze biological material from the mummies.
Observation:
- The adult male mummy exhibited an unhealed skull fracture with a hematoma, suggesting trauma as a potential cause of death.
- Minimal evidence of disease was observed in both individuals.
- Analysis of material from the adult male's thoracic cavity indicated the presence of human immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Findings:
- Trauma is a likely cause of death for the adult male mummy.
- Human IgG was detected in the adult male mummy, though its instability upon rehydration was noted.
- Proteolytic activity by enzymes may degrade immunoglobulins in rehydrated mummy tissues.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the importance of preserving the desiccated state of mummy tissues for future molecular studies.
- Understanding enzymatic degradation is crucial for accurate analysis of immunoglobulins and other biomolecules in ancient remains.
- This research contributes to the bioarchaeological understanding of health, disease, and trauma in past populations.
