Age estimation of two unidentified bodies by amino acid racemization in their teeth.

Abstract

In order to obtain more accurate and reliable information for estimating the age from the teeth by amino acid racemization, we examined the D/L ratios not only of the total amino acids, but also of insoluble collagen and soluble peptides, prepared by fractionation of tooth protein. We, thereby, attempted to estimate the age by examining tooth samples from two unidentified bodies. In both cases, we were able to estimate almost accurately the age from the total amino acids and also from the insoluble collagen as well as the soluble peptides (+/- 0 to +4 years). Age estimation from the average of the D/L ratios of 3 fractions was as accurate as +/- 3 years. Therefore, a differential examination of amino acid fractions seemed to increase information dramatically for age estimation by racemization of amino acids. As a result, we were able to expect more reliable results.