Characterization of mummy bone ochronotic pigment
S. L. Lee and F. F. Stenn
Radiologic examination of an Egyptian mummy showed characteristic
radiologic changes seen in ochronosis. Desiring to confirm the diagnosis of
ochronosis, punch biopsy samples of ochronotic mummy bone were removed for
biochemical analysis. An organic solvent extraction procedure was developed
to selectively isolate mummy ochronotic pigment, and spectroscopic methods
were used to characterize the pigment as a homogentisic-acid--derived
polymer.
