OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between DNA degradation and postmortem interval of corrupt corpse. METHODS: By determining the marrow DNA content with histochemical technique and image analysis. RESULTS: The content of marrow DNA decreased gradually with prolongation of postmortem interval, and it evencould be detected till 14 days after death. CONCLUSION There was a linear relationship between the degradation rate of the nuclear DNA and postmortem interval.
Adult ; Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism* ; Cadaver ; Cell Nucleus/metabolism* ; DNA/metabolism* ; Female ; Forensic Pathology/methods* ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Postmortem Changes ; Regression Analysis ; Staining and Labeling ; Sternum/cytology* ; Time Factors ; Young Adult