Forensic application of organ-specific antigens.

A highly sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay for organ-specific antigen is described for use in forensic practice. The sandwich enzyme immunoassays for specific antigens to the liver (LSA), the small intestine (sucrase-isomaltase), and the heart (cardiac troponin I) were developed. High levels of antigen could be detected to exist in forensic materials, and it is clearly possible to differentiate between samples from these stabbed organs and those originating from other stabbed organs. In addition, a sandwich enzyme immunoassay for prostate-specific antigen (gamma-seminoprotein, gamma-sm) was developed for sex discrimination of blood and bloodstains. The ratio of gamma-sm to hemoglobin was significantly higher in male adults than in female adults.