Histopathological assessment of autopsied salivary gland tissue to estimate the post mortem interval – a cross sectional observational study

Abstract

Background: In biological system, cells are considered as dynamic and complex structures likewise cellular disintegration is also a complex process which occurs in a sequence. Therefore, these autolytic cellular changes have been investigated by forensic pathologist in an attempt to find markers that may assist in determining the time of death. In this study we attempt to analyse the efficacy of oral soft tissues specifically salivary gland in concluding the time since death. Methodology: After obtaining approval from the human ethical committee, informed consent from the relative of the corpse and the investigating police officer, demographic information, as well as post mortem number was recorded. Submandibular Salivary Gland was collected for histopathological analysis during routine autopsy procedure. The specimens were fixed immediately in 10% formalin, processed, sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The stained sections were evaluated under light microscope for histopathological changes. Conclusion. The histopathological changes in the autopsied salivary gland tissue can be used as an adjuvant to estimate the post-mortem interval.