a toxicological analysis was performed beforehand, due to the fact that quantitative analysis requires homogenisation by means of Ultraturax, which leads to a virtually complete destruction of erythrocyte membranes and membrane systems. Also, serum can no longer be separated by centrifugation. Our experiences show that, on top of this, enzyme systems are suppressed.

DNA of 1 ml Ascites, bile, liquor, pleural-exsudate, pericardial-fluid, synovial-fluid, urine and vitreous humor of sixteen bodies of either sex was isolated. Applying dot-blot-hybridisation black spots were obtained by using total human DNA as DNA-probe (A), if the origin is human. Our results showed, that body-fluids of dead persons contain human DNA, mainly. After rehybridisation with a sex-specific DNA-probe (Y) (pJA 1143) a determination of sex can be performed.

In 39 cases of SID we studied the polymorphism of HLA-class II genes DRB and DQB and HLA-class III genes C4 (C4A and C4B, genes encoding the fourth complement component) and 21-hydroxylase (21OH-A and 21OH-B, genes encoding the enzyme 21-hydroxylase of the cortisol pathway) by DNA analysis. This study was performed in cooperation with the Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Munich. Compared to healthy controls the percentage of C4B gene deletions, C4B gene duplications (C4B "short") and 21OH-A gene deletions is increased in SIDS. The deviations are statistically not significant. The analysis of the HLA-DR alleles revealed a significant decrease of HLA-DR2 in SIDS compared to controls (p = 0.0016, pc = 0.016). The results of this study indicate a possible role of C4B/21OH-A gene defects as a risk factor in a subgroup of SID cases. This hypothesis has to be confirmed by studying further cases.

The species of a biological sample (blood, hairs) was determined by hybridization of its DNA with specific control DNA using either the former or the latter as probe. The labelling of the probes occurred with radioactive nucleotides by random priming or by the non-radioactive sulfonation of cytosine residues. Species identification by means of DNA hybridization is practicable even after denaturing the sample by heat or after treatment with H2O2. In case of a human sample, the sex of the donor can be determined, too.

A determination of sex was performed for 23 male individuals using sex-specific DNA-probe (Y) (pJA 1143) and total human DNA as DNA-probes (A). The DNA-probes were P32 marked. Applying dot-blot-hybridisation black spots are obtained, the intensity of which may be quantified by a densimeter. The ratio (A/Y) of the intensity of the spots related to total human DNA (A) and to the sex-specific DNA-probe (Y) was calculated. DNA-dilutions of one male individual were prepared in order to determine the ratio (A/Y) for different DNA-concentrations. It was evident that the deviations for the sex-specific quotients of the DNA-dilutions amounts so large-scaled as compared to the quotients of the 23 male individuals, that the method of dot-blot-hybridisation appears not to be applicable to detect an individual component of a particular spot.

Sex-determination of a 1-year old blood-stain was realited by Dot-blot-Hybridisierung. The bloodstains were inside of a car. It was not clear, if the origin is female or male. By using total human DNA-probe (A) and a sex-specific DNA-probe (Y), (pJA 1143), labeled with P32, as soon as the calculation of the sex-specific quotient (A/Y) you could show, the bloodstains must be descended from a man.

In cases of sudden death with known postmortem interval multiple determinations of potassium concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid at defined intervals were done. The values of intraindividual potassium levels were compared to a regression-line obtained in a former investigation from 76 determinations of 76 different bodies. Estimation of postmortem interval by extrapolation of potassium levels to zero time of change is not reliable.

Four DNA-probes each detecting a two allele MspI-RFLP were used for paternity testing. This resulted in an increased plausibility of paternity in all the four cases tested.

The successful determination of GLO subtypes (starch gel electrophoresis) and PGM subtypes (isoelectrofocusing) in tissues, skeletal musculature and liver, applying ethanol and acetone fixation is reported.

This case report describes the most infrequently observed decapitation by the rope in the event of a suicidal hanging. Knowing the length of the drop, it was possible to estimate the loading of the neck of about 13 500 N. This value appears to applicable to indicate the upper limit of tolerance of the neck.