Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase: Applications in Forensic Pathology II: Histochemical Study of Post-Mortem Human Liver Samples

Abstract

In part I of this paper the role of a serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) determination as a marker of chronic alcoholism in the course of a forensic autopsy was analysed and discussed. To enhance the reliability of this GGT determination in cadaver serum, the suitability of a histochemical method for detecting chronic alcoholism by means of this enzyme in human liver tissue was analysed.

As a preliminary test, the post-mortem stability of the GGT enzyme was observed by storing liver samples in vitro. Subsequently, correlations between liver-staining and the degree of fatty liver degeneration and fibrosis (both ethanol-induced lesions) were searched for. A comparison was then made between selected groups of alcoholics and non-alcoholics. Finally, the correlation between serum GGT activity and liver tissue staining was made.

We conclude that, keeping in mind the possibility of both false positive and false negative results, a histochemical test for GGT in hepatic tissue is a further tool for detecting chronic alcoholism at the forensic autopsy. The combined examination of GGT in serum and in liver tissue is emphasized.