Immunostains of leukocytic reactions are the main of intrest e.g cd68 for machrophages ,&e.g mast cells enzymes & many others which differ in application from case to another giving finally a consistent data rather than cut evidence for timing
"Forensic Histopathology" by Jannsen, 1984, says bruising most likely causes changes in the subcutaneous region. "Forensic Histopathology" by Dettmeyer, 2011, states, in case of muscle trauma, that positive complement factor C5b-9 immunostaining in muscle is a vital reaction observable as early as 1h post trauma. And this, furthermore, cannot be mimicked by post mortem incidents. There is no reason that immunostaining subcutaneous tissue for complement factor C5b-9 should´nt produce usable results. To my knowledge, however, there is no scientific documentation. One should test it.
Dear colleagues, I agree with you. But I would like to comment on some previously touched points. Sometimes it could be very hard to distinguish between ante-mortem and post-mortem bruising. Post-mortem bruise is a real term in forensic pathology. Such bruises may be produced if a very intesive impact is delivered to a body in early postmortem period. Application of histology in order to determine if is it ante-mortem or post-mortem, is usually nonproductive, unless obvius evidence is present (leukocytic infalmmatory infiltrate). CAVE. Even if leukocytic inflammatory infiltrate is present, we have to interpret such a finding with caution, as some white blood cells may be deposited in the area of bruising by the mechanical disruption of blood vessels. For early detection of vital reaction ma be beneficial antibodies againts P-selectin (positive several minutes aftre injury), fibronectin (10 - 20 minutes) and E-selectin (up to 60 minutes). Very nice results are also with gylocophorin A (as discussed Dr. Zaki) and sialoglycoprotein. Regards.
In my experience the best results are present using P-selectin, in some occasions the study using acridine orange for watch red cells, is a easy method and very useful i