Tissue identification and histologic study of six lung specimens from Egyptian mummies

Abstract

Twenty-eight specimens obtained either from organ bundles in the body cavities of intact mummies, from damaged mummies, or from isolated canopic jars were examined for tissue identification and histopathologic study. The methods of rehydration and fixation were optimized by application to 40 dehydrated modern samples before studies of mummified tissue were undertaken. The tissue of origin could be definitely identified in 24 of the 28 specimens. Even small fragments obtained from isolated canopic jars proved suitable for histologic study. Six lung specimens were selected for more detailed study. All six showed focal deposition of anthracotic pigment. Electron diffraction and electron microprobe analysis of one of the small, polarizable crystals associated with the anthracosis indicated a mineral content of silica, aluminum, and iron. Two specimens showed focal areas of calcification consistent with old mycobacterial disease. Other histopathologic findings included evidence of pulmonary edema, emphysema, and pneumonia.

Mummies

“…The latter would be the case for mummies from Greenland (Hart and for the Utqiagvik mummies from Alaska (Zimmerman and Aufderheide, 1984). Anthracosis was also found in Guanche mummies from Tenerife (Brothwell et al, 1969), mummies from Hungary (Petranyi, 1996), and Egyptian mummies (Walker et al, 1987).…”

“…His rehydration method, though still used extensively, may reduce the integrity of the tissue, especially due to a detrimental effect on collagen fibers (Aufderheide, 2003). Many researchers have since tried to circumvent this by refining Ruffers solution or developing new rehydration techniques, and also testing various staining methods (Sandison, 1955;Turner and Holtom, 1981;Allison and Gerszten, 1982;Fulcheri et al, 1985;Walker et al, 1987;Mekota and Vermehren, 2005).…”

“…Histological analyses may be helpful in determining the degree of tissue conservation, and to identify cells and tissues (Williams, 1927;Yeatman, 1971;Zimmerman et al, 1971;Zimmerman, 1973;Riddle et al, 1976;Walker et al, 1987;Nerlich et al, 1993;Hess et al, 1998;Denton et al, 2003;Moissidou, 2003). Recognizable tissue microstructure has been described for 21,300-year-old mummified specimens (Zimmermman and Tedford, 1976).…”

Paleohistology and the study of human remains: past, present and future approaches

“…Since this early beginning, the contribution of histology to the analysis of disease in mummified bodies has been considerable (e.g. Sandinson, 1955;Post and Daniels, 1969;Armitage and CluttonBrock, 1981;Weinstein et al, 1981;Walker et al, 1987;Zimmerman et al, 1998;Ciranni et al, 1999). This growing interest was improved by new techniques for the preparation of mummified tissue (e.g.…”

“…Nowadays it continues to fascinate researchers in a variety of subjects that range from the simple identification of soft tissues (e.g. Post and Daniels, 1969;Walker et al, 1987;Shin et al, 2003;Mekota et al, 2005;Kim et al, 200) to the study of abnormal lesions and taphonomic changes (e.g. Brothwell et al, 1969;Bellard and Cortés, 1991;Ciranni et al, 1999;Ciranni and Fornaciari, 2004;Bianucci et al, 2008; Aufderheide, 2011).…”