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Anatomical, cellular and molecular analysis of 8,000-yr-old human brain tissue from the Windover archaeological site.

Author(s): Doran G H, Dickel D N, Ballinger Jr W E, Agee O F, Laipis P J, Hauswirth W W

Publication: Nature, 1986, Vol. 6091, Page 803

PubMed ID: 2430186 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to assess the anatomical and cellular structure of human cranial remains recovered from an archeological site carbon-dated to approximately 7,800 to 8,300 years before present.

   Summary of Findings:

   The authors report that the archeological cranial tissue was significantly shrunken to approximately 25% of original size. Some gross anatomical features of contemporary brains were identifiable, such as hemispheres, lobes, gyri, ventricles, and certain large internal cell groups (e.g. thalamus, basal ganglia). Additionally, limited cerebral and cerebellar cellular architecture was observed.

   Biospecimens

   • Tissue - Brain

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Autopsy

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Morphology	NMR
   Morphology	Ultrastructure
   Morphology	Light microscopy
   Morphology	Electron microscopy
   Morphology	Computerized axial tomography (CAT)

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Storage	Storage duration	0 y Approximately 8,000 y

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2. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to assess whether nucleic acids extracted from 8,000 year old archeological brain remains were identifiably of human origin.

   Summary of Findings:

   The authors report that DNA between 8 and 20 kb was isolated from the archeological specimens. The DNA was resistant to restriction digestion and was present at approximately 1% of the concentration normally found in fresh human brain tissue. The authors further report successful hybridization of a human-mitochondrial-DNA specific probe and an Alu gene probe to the isolated archeological DNA. They conclude that it is possible to isolate human DNA from ancient tissue preserved in other than extremely arid conditions.

   Biospecimens

   • Tissue - Brain

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Autopsy

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   DNA	Electrophoresis
   DNA	Dot blot or slot blot

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Storage	Storage duration	0 y Approximately 8,000 y

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