Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Heat on the PCR-Amplification of Various Sized DNA Fragments Extracted from Sus Scrofa Molars

• NCJ Number: 230721
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 410-417
• Author(s): Kelly A. Rees, M.Sc.; Margaret J. Cox, Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2010
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: American Soc of Forensic Odontology (ASFO)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented in poster form at the 2006 INFORCE Foundation Annual Conference, Bournemouth University; and at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 19–24, 2007, in San Antonio, TX.

Annotation

This study examined the effects of heat on the amplification of DNA from the dental pulp of Sus scrofa molars and investigated the protection afforded to the pulp tissue by the dental enamel, alveolar process, and soft tissue of the head.

Abstract

Segments of defleshed maxilla and mandible encasing the first molar (n = 60) were subject to a range of temperatures for 15 min. Dental pulps were retrieved. Amplifications using three-primer and four-primer multiplexes showed no degradation of the largest fragment following exposure to 450 degrees C. Amplifications in the three-primer multiplex (283 bp) were successful following exposure to 525 degrees C in maxillary samples only. This study revealed the enamel density of maxillary molars to be greater than mandibular molars in Sus scrofa. Following incineration of intact heads for 15 min (n = 10) and 1 h (n = 4) at an average temperature of 625 degrees C, amplifications of the largest fragment (450 bp) were successful from both maxillary and mandibular teeth. Tables, figures, and references (Published Abstract)