EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL-FACTORS ON PCR-DNA ANALYSIS FROM DENTAL-PULP

This study was designed to observe the results of DNA typing on teeth subjected to aging, different temperatures and various environmental f actors. A total of 570 teeth were studied. The study included the anal ysis of the PCR-based polymorphisms HLA DQA1, D1S80, HUMTH01, HUMFES/F PS and the XY homologous gene amelogenin. In general the best results were obtained with the XY homologous gene amelogenin, followed by the two STRs studied (HUMTH01 and HUMFES/FPS). The small fragment sizes an d the method of detection used after PCR amplification are the main fa ctors explaining this fact. In general, teeth submerged in water gave the poorest results. Teeth exposed to outdoor conditions provided bett er results than teeth buried in sand or soil? but even in these cases good results were obtained. Up to 4 degrees C, temperature had only a slight influence on the results. Positive results were obtained in mos t cases at high temperatures (400 degrees C for 2 min) which are rarel y reached in practical casework. Positive typing results for the XY ho mologous gene amelogenin and the STRs were obtained from teeth 10-30 y ears old. The usefulness of dental pulp for identification purposes is exemplified in some actual cases.