Detection and analysis of tracers in experimental drowning

In animal experiments, studies on the mechanisms involved in drowning were carried out using latex and gold tracers of defined size and concentration. The tracers were detectable by fluorescence microscopy (latex tracers) and by electron microscopy (gold tracers) in the lungs, kidneys and lymph nodes and were analysed further by X-ray microanalysis using a transmission scanning electron microscope. Tracers with small diameters were shown to penetrate intercellular gaps of the alveolar epithelium and the larger tracers were incorporated into the epithelial and endothelial cells by active pinocytotic mechanisms thus passing through the air-blood barrier. The detection and analysis of tracers in organs of the systemic circulation originating from the immersion fluid can assist in understanding the pathophysiology of drowning and in some selected cases, in making a more definitive diagnosis.