Haemorrhages in head tissues during the asphyxiation process

Forensic Sci Int. 2001 Dec 27;124(2-3):235-6. doi: 10.1016/s0379-0738(01)00591-6.

Abstract

Two rates of carbon dioxide flow into the termination chamber were applied for the euthanasia of rats. The classical phases of asphyxia were observed in both groups of animals although their course was prolonged in rats exposed to the lower gas flow. The haemorrhages were assessed histologically in the following structures: the pericranium, compact bone and diploë of the skull, sagittal suture, nape muscle and its attachment, and the dura. The haemorrhages appeared regularly in the sagittal suture in all cases from both experimental groups. The possible significance of this phenomenon for the forensic practice was pointed out.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asphyxia / chemically induced
  • Asphyxia / pathology*
  • Carbon Dioxide / toxicity*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / pathology*
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide