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Hemoglobin-degrading enzymes in experimental subcutaneous hematomas

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Summary

The activities of heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase were determined in subcutaneous (s.c.) hematomas of rats after different periods of vital time. The postmortem stabilities of the heme-degrading enzymes were also studied by keeping the rats with vital hematomas for 1–5 days at temperatures of +4°C and +22°C. A tenfold increase of heme oxygenase activity over the starting level was observed in 2–9-day-old vital hematomas, when the specimens were taken immediately after death. Biliverdin reductase showed only negligible changes. Postmortally, heme oxygenase activity started to decrease in hematomas immediately at +22°C and from day 2 on at +4°C.

Zusammenfassung

Die Aktivitäten von Hämi-Oxygenase und Biliverdin-Reductase wurden in subcutanen (s.c.) Hämatomen bei Ratten nach verschiedenen Vitalzeitperioden bestimmt. Die postmortale Stabilität der hämi-degradierenden Enzyme wurde ebenfalls untersucht, indem die Ratten mit vitalen Hämatomen 1–5 Tage bei +4°C bzw. +22°C gehalten wurden. Eine zehnfache Steigerung der Hämi-Oxygenaseaktivität über das Ausgangsniveau hinaus wurde in Hämatomen von 2–9 Tagen Alter wahrgenommen, wenn die Proben unmittelbar nach dem Tod entnommen waren. Biliverdin-Reductase wies nur geringfügige Veränderungen auf. Postmortal begann die Hämi-Oxygenaseaktivität in den Hämatomen bei +22°C unmittelbar bzw. bei +4°C vom zweiten Tag an herabzugehen.

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Supported by a grant from the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Helsinki, Finland

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Laiho, K., Tenhunen, R. Hemoglobin-degrading enzymes in experimental subcutaneous hematomas. Z Rechtsmed 93, 193–198 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00200450

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