MACROPHAGE SUBTYPE PATTERNS IN PROTRACTED ASPHYXIATION

The question was examined whether protracted asphyxiation is associate d with a distinct macrophage subtype pattern in lung tissue. Immunohis tochemical preparations of lung specimens were tested with the antibod ies MRP8, MRP14, 27E10 and 25F9 in cases of protracted asphyxiation (n = 8) and in ''control'' groups (hanging: n = 6; peracute deaths: n = 9). MRP8 and MRP14 interstitial cell counts showed a doubling in protr acted asphyxiation. Furthermore, clear increases of 27E10 and 25F9 cel ls (intravascular and interstitial) were found in protracted asphyxiat ion, both in the intravascular and interstitial compartments. At prese nt the results look promising as to an additional diagnostic criterion for the differential diagnosis between acute and protracted asphyxiat ion.