INVESTIGATIONS ON RED CELL ADENYLATE KINASE POLYMORPHIC SYSTEM IN BLOOD AND BLOODSTAINS FOR FORENSIC APPLICATION IN INDIA.

Abstract

Identification of red cell adenylate kinase (AK) polymorphic variants in fresh blood as well as in dried bloodstains and their survival in tropical Indian climatic conditions has been studied. Gene frequencies of 0.917 and. 0.063 for AK' and AK 2 alleles were observed in thc population sample of Delhi. In experimental bloodstains stored at room temperature, the enzyme activity persisted for seven months and if stored in refrigerated or in frozen conditions (— 20' C) the activity persisted much longer. Stains of post-mortem blood showed typable activity for seven months when stored at room temperature. Correct identification of adenylate kinase variants was possible in about 56% of the sixmonth old exhibits of actual criminal cases. It can thus be concluded that the AK system is Stable for typing forensic exhibits in India.