ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

Isolation of Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline from Fly Puparia (Phoridae) and Beetle Exuviae (Dermestidae) Associated with Mummified Human Remains
Donnelly, B
Supervisory Special Agent, Chemistry and Toxicology Unit, Laboratory Division, FBI, DC

McDonough, ET
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut, CT

Alexis, JC
Research Assistant, University of Mississippi Medical Center, MS

Goff, ML
Professor of Entomology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI

Miller, ML
Research Chemist and Supervisory Special Agent, Forensic Science Research and Training Center, Laboratory Division, FBI Academy, VA

Lord, WD
Research Chemist and Supervisory Special Agent, Forensic Science Research and Training Center, Laboratory Division, FBI Academy, VA

(Received 16 December 1993; accepted 3 March 1994)

Abstract

The use of anthropophagic fly larvae (maggots) as alternative toxicological specimens is well documented in the entomological and forensic science literature. Detection of various toxins and controlled substances in insects found on decomposing bodies has contributed to the assessment of cause/manner of death. With the development of hair extraction technologies, attention has recently focused on the analysis of chitinized insect remnants which are frequently encountered with mummified/skeletalized remains. In such cases, the standard toxicological specimens are often absent. Herein, we report the first detection of drugs from chitinized insect tissues.

Keywords:
toxicology, insects, entomology, drug extraction, amitriptyline

Paper ID: JFS13717J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13717J
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