The feasibility of demonstration of GM- and InV-systems in decaying organs

Gamma-globulin factors (Gm and InV-systems) were determined in 12 cadavers in blood and various organ exprimates (kidney, liver, spleen and muscle). Also checked was the time interval up to which these factors could still be demonstrated in decaying organs. For this purpose blood and portions of the organs were left to decay in plastic containers at an average temperature of 19.1 degree C. Examinations were done with the agglutination-inhibition-test. The exprimates were employed in dilutions 1:10 and 1:20. The serum factors Gm (1), (2), (4), (10) and InV (1) could be demonstrated for varying periods of time. In organs they could be demonstrated for between one and eight weeks. Only factors Gm(1) and Gm(2) could be demonstrated beyond this time. As a rule these serum factors were demonstrable in blood for a longer period of time than in organs; Factor Gm(4) proved to be the most stable one, as it could be demonstrated up to 11 weeks in decaying serum. In 2200 individuals tests with a dilution 1:20 no false positive results were obtained, with the dilution 1:10, however, 5 false positive tests were found. No explanation can be given for the different periods of time for which these factors can be demonstrated under conditions of decay.