NCJ Number
246618
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2014 Pages: 522-528
Date Published
March 2014
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Different studies of long-term chondrocytes viability have shown a gradual reduction as a function of time and ambient temperature.
Abstract
Different studies of long-term chondrocytes viability have shown a gradual reduction as a function of time and ambient temperature. The aim of our in vitro study was to establish chondrocyte postmortem viability curves for 4 degrees C, 11 degrees C, 23 degrees C, 35 degrees C during 63 days after the donors' death. Osteochondral cylinders were procured from the knees of 16 male donors 20-47 years, stored in preservation media that was not changed, and analyzed in 3-day intervals using a confocal laser scanning microscope. A significant influence of time on viability was found from Day 9 p = 0.0029 and onwards p < 0.0001. The lowest overall chondrocyte viability was at 35 degrees C, followed by 4 degrees C p < 0.0001. The conditions used in this in vitro analysis suggest that similar viabilities may occur while in situ in the decedent. Further studies of chondrocyte viability from individuals with known postmortem intervals may show premise to help evaluate time since death in the late postmortem interval. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.