Time-dependent changes in electrical resistance of the intact abdomen during the 1-504 h postmortem period in rats

Eight rat cadavers, at controlled ambient temperature, were each equipped with electrodes for passing current of constant intensity through the cadaver and for measurement of the potential difference between two points on the anterior abdominal skin. All electrodes were left in situ for the duration of the study, and abdominal resistance was determined at 1, 5 and 24 h post mortem, and at 24-h intervals between 24-504 h post mortem. Abdominal resistance increased during the first 5-24 h and then decreased progressively between 24-480 h (one cadaver) or 24-504 h (seven cadavers) post mortem. These findings are believed to reflect a postmortem decrease in abdominal resistivity per se.