Histological Dataset on the Effects of Flunitrazepam on Liver Decomposition for Postmortem Interval Estimation
Description
This study investigated the effect of flunitrazepam on liver decomposition to improve postmortem interval (PMI) estimation in forensic cases. The hypothesis was that flunitrazepam delays decomposition by inhibiting enzymatic autolysis, affecting PMI determination. The dataset consists of histological images of liver tissue samples collected daily over 16 days from two pigs (Sus Scrofa L.): one control and one experimental (administered 2 mg flunitrazepam in 250 ml vodka). Samples were excised from the caudal lobe, preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and processed using standard histological techniques, including hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. The images document key decomposition stages, showing structural changes such as nuclear degradation (pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis), loss of sinusoidal integrity, hepatocyte disintegration, hemorrhage, and bacterial colonization. Notable findings indicate that flunitrazepam significantly slowed decomposition in the experimental group during the first six days, with more preserved cellular integrity compared to the control. By day seven, decomposition rates between the two groups became comparable, and by day 16, both exhibited complete structural disintegration. This dataset provides valuable forensic insights into drug-induced alterations in PMI estimation. Researchers can analyze the images to assess histopathological changes in liver decomposition, compare treated and untreated tissue degradation patterns, and refine forensic methodologies. The dataset can be used to train forensic investigators in recognizing drug-influenced decomposition markers or for machine-learning applications in PMI prediction. Proper interpretation requires familiarity with histopathology, tissue staining techniques, and forensic pathology.
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Steps to reproduce
The data for this study were obtained through a controlled experimental design investigating the effect of flunitrazepam on liver decomposition. Two domestic pigs (Sus Scrofa L.), each approximately six months old and weighing ~25 kg, were used. One pig served as the control, while the experimental pig was administered 2 mg of flunitrazepam dissolved in 250 ml of vodka (40% ethanol). Both pigs were euthanized humanely, and their abdomens were opened to expose the liver for systematic sampling. Liver tissue samples (2 cm × 2 cm) were excised daily from the caudal lobe of each pig for 16 days. The samples were immediately fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for tissue preservation. Tissue processing followed standard histological protocols, including dehydration in graded ethanol solutions (50%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, and 100%), clearing in methyl benzoate, infiltration with molten paraffin wax, and embedding in wax blocks. Sections of 5–7 µm thickness were cut using a Leitz Weitzar® rotary microtome and mounted on glass slides. Slides were deparaffinized using xylene, rehydrated through decreasing ethanol concentrations, and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome to assess tissue integrity and collagen distribution. Microscopic examination was conducted using a Leica® DM 500 light microscope, and images were captured at 40×, 100×, and 400× magnifications. Data were recorded through digital imaging, focusing on cellular morphology, structural integrity, nuclear changes (pyknosis, karyorrhexis, karyolysis), hepatocyte disintegration, sinusoidal congestion, and bacterial colonization. The study followed standard forensic histopathology protocols to ensure reproducibility. Researchers seeking to replicate this work should use similar experimental conditions, histological staining procedures, and imaging techniques. Proper interpretation of the dataset requires expertise in histopathology and forensic pathology.
Institutions
- University of Nairobi