Abstract
In is well known that the fluid cadaveric blood is a characteristic of sudden death.
However, a number of cases of sudden death after alcohol drinking have been reported where soft blood clots have been observed.
We, also, have observed such a tendency in 240 autopsies of strangulation and 57 autopsies of cerebral crushing.
In our present study, we have tested in the effects of ethanol on blood coagulation in vivo and in vitro.
No distinct difference was observed after ingestion of whisky by human subjects, but platelet aggregation was inhibited and blood clots were strengthened in vitro by direct addition of ethanol.
Animal experiments were also made by oral administration of ethanol to rabbits and mice. (10ml/kg of 40% ethanol)
The blood flow in femoral muscule and body temperature in mice significantly decreased about 1 hour after administration of ethanol.
Factor XIII of blood in rabbits was reduced 2 hours after administration of ethanol.
These results would suggest the formation of soft blood clot in sudden death after alcohol drinking.
