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In the first part a short documentary film shows the disturbed behaviour (mimicry, gesticulation) of a drug addict. The second part of the lecture, illustrated with slides, deals with handwriting distortions under the influence of these drugs. In two cases such distortions are compared with those resulting from other causes.

Hogberg, J. (Stockholm, Sweden) A STUDY ON GLUTATHIONE IN ISOLATED HEPATOCYTES

Glutathione may form conjugates with foreign compounds or serve as a reducing agent for peroxides formed in the cell upon addition of solvents like Ccl, or upon an overload of iron. Available glutathione can be depleted by a drug overdose and the depletion has been correlated with subsequent liver necrosis.

Free radical reactions, involving the formation of lipid peroxides, have been studied in a preparation of isolated hepatocytes. This technique enabled a study of the short-term effects and of the cell defence mecha- nisms. It was found that the free radical reaction was well-controlled in untreated cells while changes in the glutathione concentration enhanced the effects of the reaction. The accumulation of toxic end-products (malonaldehyde) from an apparently endogenous peroxide formation was also observed in cells depleted of glutathione.

Thus, glutathione seems to be of principal importance for the cell, both under physiological conditions as well as upon exposure to toxic agents.

Horin, N., and S. Pais (Tel Aviv, Israel) COMPUTERISED DENTAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

The system of identification by teeth has already proved itself to be a very reliable one, especially in cases of burn injuries, caused by war, or accidents of any kind.

The system is based on periodical dental examinations, including bitewings taken by a trained team. The data are transmitted to a central computer (data base) which provides information rapidly either by on line (terminals) or by batch processing. The above system serves as a base to which the following subjects might be added: follow-up of child dental treatment; adult follow-up and holodontography and recall system. The minimum information required for identification is: one incisor, one canine, one premolar and one molar for half a jaw.

The advantage of this system is its high accuracy and reliability, and as such it serves as an integral part of forensic science.

Huttunen, P. and J. Hirvonen (Oulu, Finland) DANGEROUS BLOOD LEVEL OF ETHANOL IN COLD EXPOSURE: RESULTS

FROM EXPERIMENTS AND NECROPSIES

The parameters related to survival in frost (-20 “C) were studied in guinea-pigs given different amounts of ethanol.

Rectal temperature at death was highest in the control animals which also endured the frost for the longest time. They had the lowest blood glucose but the highest serum FFA concentration. The lowest serum FFA concentration was in the ethanol treated guinea-pigs whose