Journal Published Online: 01 May 1987
Volume 32, Issue 3

Histochemical Demonstration of Methamphetamine by Immunocytochemistry

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A method for the demonstration of methamphetamine (MA) by immunocytochemistry was established. The tissues of intoxicated mice, administered various amounts of MA in single doses of from 0.01 to 1 mg of MA-HCl, were fixed in glutaraldehyde-containing fixatives. Cryostat and paraffin slices gave a positive reaction of MA localization by staining the brain, liver, kidney, lung, stomach, spleen, and so forth, with the aid of the indirect immunperoxydase technique. Those of animals administered a single dose of 0.1 mg or more (over 3 to 4 mg/kg—the usual dose of MA in acute intoxication death in forensic medicine), in particular, gave a strong strong reaction, so that the diagnosis of MA intoxication can be performed by macroscopic observation of stained slices. The histochemical diagnosis of MA intoxication in clinical toxicology and pathology might be regarded as a useful tool, especially in forensic pathology. The following cells gave a strong positive reaction: nerve cells and myelin sheaths, hepatocytes, epithelial cells of the distal part of the renal tubule and of the collecting tubule, alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells of the lung, chief and parietal cells of the gastric gland, capillaries of the renal glomerulus, macrophages in the blood and tissues, and striated muscle cells including cardiocytes. The morphological evidence of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of MA can be determined at the cellular level by immunocytochemistry.

Author Information

Ishiyama, I
the university of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Mukaida, M
the university of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Yoshii, T
the university of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Suyama, H
Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
Pages: 15
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12370J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12370J