[Expression of Cyt C in brain of rats poisoned by tetramine].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the evidence for the judgement on legal cases of intoxication by tetramine. METHODS: Fifty rats given tetramine by lavage were sacrificed at different time after intoxication. The expression of Cyt C was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the reasults were assessed by an image analysis system. RESULTS: There was a slight expression of Cyt C in control group. In intoxication group the expression of Cyt C increased after the rats were given tetramine for 30 minutes; it reached the peak at 24 hours after intoxication and kept up the level for 3 days, then it began to decrease and returned to the control level in 10 days. CONCLUSION: The regular change of Cyt C expression might be a useful sign for assessment in legal cases of intoxication by tetramine.