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Erschienen in: International Journal of Legal Medicine 4/2004

01.08.2004 | Original Article

Drug analysis in blowfly larvae and in human tissues: a comparative study

verfasst von: Carlo P. Campobasso, Mirella Gherardi, Marina Caligara, Luca Sironi, Francesco Introna

Erschienen in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Ausgabe 4/2004

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Abstract

The present study investigates the correlation between concentrations of drugs in human tissues and Diptera larvae feeding on these tissues. Samples of liver were taken from 18 cases in which preliminary toxicological screening indicated the presence of drugs. Blowfly larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were reared on these samples and subsequently analyzed for drug content. Toxicological analyses were carried out using ONLINE Abuscreen (Roche) and GC/MS for available body fluids (blood, urine and bile) as well as liver samples and maggots. All drugs detected in human tissues were also detected in insect specimens. Opiates, cocaine and barbiturates as well as some antidepressants (clomipramine, amitryptiline, nortryptiline, levomepromezine and tioridazine) were observed. Comparisons of drug concentrations between those in human tissues and blowfly larvae showed different patterns of distribution that may be attributed to differences in physiology. Results confirm the reliability of entomological specimens for qualitative analyses, although quantitative extrapolations are unreliable. All xenobiotics detected were in higher concentrations in human tissues than in maggots. Concentrations in post-feeding maggots were significantly lower than for feeding maggots, suggesting that the feeding state of maggots may affect toxicological analyses as they metabolize and eliminate drugs during development.
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Metadaten
Titel
Drug analysis in blowfly larvae and in human tissues: a comparative study
verfasst von
Carlo P. Campobasso
Mirella Gherardi
Marina Caligara
Luca Sironi
Francesco Introna
Publikationsdatum
01.08.2004
Verlag
Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in
International Journal of Legal Medicine / Ausgabe 4/2004
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Elektronische ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-004-0448-1

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