ISSN:
1437-1596
Keywords:
Key words Ganglion cells
;
Hippocampus
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Mean optical density (MOD)
;
Morphine
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Law
Notes:
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.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004140050012
