The microscopic (optical and SEM) examination of putrefaction fluid deposits (PFD). Potential interest in forensic anthropology.

This article describes the potential interest in physical and forensic anthropology of the microscopic analysis of residues of putrefaction fluid, a calcified deposit frequently found associated with bone rests. Its sampling and analysis seem straightforward and relatively reproducible. Samples came from archeological material (Monterenzio Vecchia, an Etruscan necropolis from the north of Italy dated between the fifth and third century B.C.; body rests of Agnès Sorel, royal mistress died in 1450 A.D.; skull and grave of French King Louis the XI and Charlotte of Savoy dated from 1483 A.D.). All samples were studied by direct optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy. Many cytological, histological, and elemental analysis were possible, producing precious data for the identification of these remains and, in some cases, the cause of death.

Amiodarone is a potent calmodulin antagonist.

The possible interaction between amiodarone, a potent antiarrhythmic and antianginal agent, and calmodulin (CaM) was investigated by three avenues of approach: (a) Effect of amiodarone on cardiac and vascular Ca2+/calmodulin-activated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CaM-PDE); (b) Effect on the CaM-activated (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase from human erythrocytes; (c) Direct interaction between amiodarone and calmodulin measured by the effect of the drug on the fluorescence of 9-anthroylcholine (9AC) bound to calmodulin. Results show that amiodarone did not interact with basal activities of CaM-PDE and other isolated CaM-insensitive PDE forms as well as with (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase. Amiodarone inhibited calmodulin-activation of aortic CaM-PDE (Ki = 650 nM, substrate cGMP) and calmodulin-activation of erythrocyte ghosts (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase (IC50 = 4.5 microM) in an apparently competitive manner. Amiodarone decreased the fluorescence of the hydrophobic probe 9AC bound to calmodulin (IC50 = 5 microM). It is concluded that amiodarone is a potent calmodulin antagonist.