Histopathological and serum enzyme changes in fatal electric shock

ABSTRACT

Thirty adult albino rats were killed by electrocution, Using alternating house-hold current, of 220 volts, They were divided to three groups, each consisted of 10 rats. The electrodes were connected to either forelimb hindlimb [gr. II], both forelimbs [gr. II], or head-hindlimb [gr. Ill]. Ten animals served as control of the study [Group IV]. The gross and histopathological changes of the main vital organs [heart, lungs, and brain] and the big blood vessels involved in the electric circuits were studied. Congestion, dilatation, intravascular thrombotic aggregates, and rupture with perivascular hemorrhages' were frequently observed. Degenerative and necrotic cellular damage of the myocardium and cerebral neurons, could be detected. The extent of damage varied according to the direction of the current. There were a significant rise in both STDH and SGOT while SGPT and SALP enzymes showed non significant changes