Abstract
To investigate the topography of morphine distribution in the human brain, a method has been developed to detect morphine immunohistochemically. In this study hippocampus tissue from victims of heroin overdose (blood morphine concentrations 220 ng/g–1500 ng/g; 6-MAM positive urine sample), known for its high concentration of μ-opiate receptors was used. The immunohistochemical staining was performed with an anti-morphine antiserum originally developed for radio-immuno-assays. In comparison with control specimens from cases of sudden death without morphine exposition or a history of heroin abuse, the brains from victims of heroin overdose showed selectively stained ganglion cells, axons and dendrites, suggesting a massive concentration of morphine in the neuronal structures.
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Received: 15 July 1998 / Received in revised form: 22 March 1999
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Wehner, F., Wehner, HD., Subke, J. et al. Demonstration of morphine in ganglion cells of the hippocampus from victims of heroin overdose by means of anti-morphine antiserum. Int J Leg Med 113, 117–120 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004140050012
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004140050012