[Vascular leukocytosis in violent death]

Mononuclear cells in subcutaneous haemorrhage with special consideration of myeloid percursor cells

Various hematogenous markers were used to differentiate and quantify the types of mononuclear cells present in subcutaneous haemorrhages. Fifty samples of subcutaneous bleeding with a survival time of a few minutes to more than 48 hours were studied. The various cell types were detected using the following stains: Naphthol AS-D chloracetate esterase for myeloid cells, including mast cells; (alpha1-antichymotrypsin for monocytes/macrophages; UCHL1 for T-lymphocytes; and L26 for B lymphocytes. The percentage of monocytes/macrophages was found to increase in dependence on survival time, whereas T-lymphocytes declined. Within minutes of injury neutrophilic granulocytes had emigrated into the surrounding tissue and mast cell degranulation had occurred within the haemorrhagic zone. Esterase-positive mononuclear cells, namely metamyelocytes, were detected within minutes after injury and were still present after survival times exceeding 48 hours; however, no dependence on survival time or cause of death was found. Although the increasing number of monocytes/ macrophages and T-lymphocytes was expected, the sometimes high percentage of myeloid precursor cells within the wound were surprising. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed.