Antibodies against myoglobin and fibrinogen were used for immunohistochemical investigation of myocardium in a group of 45 persons deceased of natural and violent cause. Suffocated persons showed a decrease or disappearing of myoglobin in 66% and disseminated positivity for fibrinogen in myocardial fibres in 70%. Deceased of violent cause without hypoxia had disseminated decrease or disappearing of myoglobin and simultaneous disseminated positive reaction for fibrinogen but in 14% of cases. Deceased persons with macroscopical heart infarction were used for control and had focal lack of myoglobin in 100%. Immunohistochemical investigation of myoglobin and fibrinogen can be used as a very sensitive prove of prolongated hypoxia or very intensive asphyxia when positive signs can occur after a very short period.

Ustav soudního lékarství 3 LF UK Praha