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As you probably discovered already, my main scientific interest is in morphology of complex vascular systems. Specifically (but not exclusively), this relates to renal vasculature, as this is probably one of the most complicate blood vascular networks. All together – as part of a functioning system – it responds to environment and development (both: evo- AND devo-). Finally, the analysis of excretory systems can provide indications where the hypothetical crown vertebrate probably lived about 550-530 million years ago. This is derived from comparative anatomy – a discipline long abandoned and nearly forgotten by many.



Should you be interested in kidney issues yourself – this is the book you wish to read. (Disclaimer: You may have to read others too.) It is probably hard to get it, but you may find it in a good library. Good luck!




Ditrich H.: Renal Structure and

Function in Vertebrates.


In: Biological Systems in Vertebrates

(Series) Vol.2;

Series editors: H.M. Dutta and D.W.Kline

Science Publ. Inc., Enfield, USA;

ISBN 1-57808-305-2 (2005)

ISBN 978-1578083053



Still there is more! An interesting vascular body forms the counter-current heat exchange system in an eye muscle of the Swordfish. Certain vascular cells seem to be able to regulate blood flow or serve as scavenger cells in the kidney or the brain.

Evidently, many technical problems arise and have to be solved – an interesting task on it's own. Finally, there are interesting bits an pieces found on the road like analyzing the famous „Saliera“, investigating the distribution of gun-smoke, the ‘Black Death’ breakout in 1347 or attempting to ease public fears from bio-weapons in the hands of terrorists.

To weight may be better than to count – and both is inappropriate to measure science! However, it became customary to measure gain of information (and possibly knowledge) with the same methods as gain in stock markets – i.e., counting and calculating indices. One might say that the rationale behind a publication is that others should read it – however, at least in biomedical-sciences, that could be a thing of the past. This is partly due to the “information overkill” and also to the generally spreading scientific illiteracy and public ignorance. Nevertheless, the impetus for writing these papers can not be attributed to financial gain, as the last received specific financial support dates back to 1987. Accordingly, due to a frequently used definition – it must have been “fun” to write these papers and indeed, it was.



Several of the papers can be found at ResearchGate as full text.


Whatever, you want a list – here it is:


PS: If you are interested in (and competent for) some German publications – be welcome here.


PPS: Obviously, you might as well want to go back.

List of Publications:

year = 2021

order = chronological

blue = key paper

(Abstr.) = you guess


Ditrich H.: Letter to The Editor: Winburn and Clemmons "Objectivity is a myth that harms the practice and diversity of forensic science". Forensic Sci. Internat. Synergy 3; 1-2 (2021) - DOI 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2021.100211


Ditrich H.: Illegal Trading in Endangered Animal and Plant Species from an Austrian Perspective. Europ. Law Enforcement Res. Bulletin 19; 71-93 (2020)


Ditrich H.: Quality Improvement for Criminal Investigations: Lessons from Science? J. of Integrated Omics 8; 1-6 (2018)


Ditrich H.: The transmission of the Black Death to western Europe: a critical review of the existing evidence. Mediterranean Historical Review 32; 25-39 (2017)


Ditrich H.: Cognitive fallacies and criminal investigations. Science & Justice 55; 155-159 (2015)


Ditrich H.: Distribution of gunshot residues – the influence of weapon type. Forensic Sci. Int. 220; 85-90 (2012)


Ditrich H.: How „Scientific“ is “Forensic Science“? In: Criminalisitics and Forensic Examination: Science, Studies, Practice. S. P. Kushnirenko, H. Malevski, G. Judokaitè-Granskienè (eds); Verl. Staatl. Univ. St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, 20-25 (2012) ISBN: 978-5-288-05314-6


Ditrich H.: Does “Forensic Science“ Exist? .SIAK-Journal Internat. Ed. 1; 40-51 (2011)


Ditrich H.: SEM-EDS micro-analytical data from enamel samples of Cellini's salt cellar „Saliera“. - Short Communication. Prakt. Metallogr. 47; 259-261 (2010)


Ditrich H.: Dangers from biological weapons in Austria – a police perspective. JIPSS 3(2); 109-123 (2009)


Ditrich H., B. Bogner: Gun smoke distribution from various firearms. In: Criminalistics and Forensic Examination: Science, Studies, Practice. H. Malevski, G. Judokaitè-Granskienè (eds); Lietuvos teismo ekspertizès centras, Vilnus, 262-269 (2009) ISBN 978-9986-555-33-9


Ditrich H.: SEM-EDX Analytical data from Benvenuto Cellinis salt cellar “Saliera“. In: MC 2009 Graz. G. Kothleitner, M Leisch (eds.); Vol. 1, Verl. Techn. Univ., Graz, 189-190 (2009)


Ditrich H.: Ergebnisse einer EDX-mikroanalytischen Untersuchung von Emailfragmenten der Saliera von Benvenuto Cellini. Arch. f. Kriminol. 223; 164-170 (2009)


Ditrich H.: The amphibian ancestors came from fresh water – considerations based on renal development. (Abstr.); ICVM-8 Abstracts, Univ. Pierre & Marie Curie, Paris, 33 (2007)


Ditrich H.: Forensic use of Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy – bridging two worlds. In: Criminalistics and Forensic Examination: Science, Studies, Practice. E. V. Kurapka (ed); Mykolo Romerio Universitetas, Vilnus, 250-254 (2007) ISBN 078-995-19-064-6


Ditrich H.: The origin of vertebrates: a hypothesis based on kidney development. Zool. J. Linnean Soc.: 150; 435-441 (2007)


Ditrich H.: Comparison of the Structure of the Renal Vascular System in two Caudata Species. (Abstr.); MC 2005 Proc.; Davos, Switzerland p 175 (2005)


Ditrich H.: Speculations on the Origin of Vertebrates from the Perspective of the Excretory System. (Abstr.); ICVM-7 Abstracts J. Morphol.: 260; p288 (2004)


Ditrich H.: Simulations of flow-regulatory vascular structures in the avian kidney – deduction of functional parameters from corrosion casts. Proc. AVC 2003, Salzburg 48-49 (2003)


Ditrich H.: Selection of sampling sites for gunshot residue analysis with SEM and EDX. Proc. 6th Multinational Congress on Microscopy, Croatian Soc. Electron Microsc., Zagreb 392-393 (2003)


Ditrich H.: Blood flow regulating structures in the avian kidney. Microsc. Microanal. 8; Suppl.2; 226-227 (2002)


Ditrich H.: Forensic applications of scanning microscopical methods. (Abstr.); Proc. Dreiländertagung f. Elektronenmikroskopie, Innsbruck, p148 (2001)


Ditrich H.: Renal vascular structures in doves, mallards and chickens – merging competing structural principles. (Abstr.); ICVM-6 Abstracts, J. Morphol.: 248; p224 (2001)


Ditrich H.: The renal structure from fishes to birds. In: Vertebrate functional morphology: Horizon of research in the 21st century, Dutta, H.M., J.S. Datta-Munshi (eds.); Science Publ. Inc., Enfield, 343-364 (2001)


Ditrich H., G. De Metrio: Studies on the orbital heating organ of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) using microvascular corrosion casting. Microsc. Microanal. 6; Suppl.2; 560-561 (2000)


Ditrich H.: Synergetic effects of confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for forensic investigations. Proc. 12th Eur.Congr.Electr.Microsc.Brno, Vol. 1; B295-B296 (2000)


Ditrich H.: The vascular structure of the kidney of mallards and doves. Microsc. Microanal. 5; Suppl.2; 1192-1193 (1999)


De Metrio G., H. Ditrich, G. Palmieri: Heat-producing organ of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius): A modified eye muscle. J. Morphol.: 234; 89-96 (1997)


Ditrich H.: Forensischer Einsatz rasterelektronenmikroskopischer Methoden. (Abstr.); Eur. J. Cell Biol.: 74; Suppl.45; p68 (1997)


Ditrich H.: Renal vascular structure of reptiles and birds. (Abstr.). ICVM-5 Abstracts, J. Morphol.: 232; p248 (1997)


Carretero A., H. Ditrich, M. Navarro, J. Ruberte: Afferent portal venous system in the mesonephros of chick embryos: Development and degeneration. Anat. Rec.: 247; 63-70 (1997)


Ditrich H.: A comparison of the renal structures of the Anaconda and the Ball Python. Scanning Microsc.: 10; 1163-1172 (1996)


Ditrich H.: "Depilierung" durch Mikroalgen? Arch. f. Kriminol.: 198; 95-98 (1996)


Guo M., H. Ditrich, H. Splechtna: Renal vasculature and uriniferous tubules of the common iguana. J. Morphol.: 229; 97-104 (1996)


Carretero A., H. Ditrich, F. Pérez-Aparicio, H. Splechtna, J. Ruberte: Development and degeneration of the arterial system in the mesonephros and metanephros of chicken embryos. Anat. Rec.: 243; 120-128 (1995)


De Metrio G., H. Ditrich, J. Kramer, G. Palmieri: Investigations on the anatomy of the heating organ of the Swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.: Xiphiidae – Osteichthyes). SISVET Proceedings - ATTI SISVET, Vol XLVIII; 541-545 (1994)


Carretero A., H. Ditrich, M. Navarro, H. Splechtna, J. Ruberte: Observations on the developing renal vascular system of the chicken using microvascular corrosion casts. (Abstr.); Journ.f.Ornithol.: 135; 81 (1994)


Ditrich H., G. De Metrio: Anatomical investigations of the heating - organ of the Swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.: Xiphidae - Osteichthyes). (Abstr.); ICVM-4 Abstracts, J. Morphol.: 220; 341 (1994)


Carretero A., H. Ditrich, H. Splechtna, J. Sautet, M. Navarro, J. Ruberte: Angiogenic buds in the chick embryo metanephros. Proc.13th Int.Congr.Electr.Microsc.Paris, Vol. 3A; 697-698 (1994)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: SEM investigations of the renal vascular system of the Tokeh (Gekko gecko) using microcorrosion casts. Proc.13th Int.Congr.Electr.Microsc.Paris, Vol. 3B; 927-928 (1994)


Trimbacher C., H. Ditrich: SEM - assessment of the decay of biodegradable wastebags under field conditions. Proc.13th Int.Congr.Electr.Microsc.Paris, Vol.2B; 1253-1254 (1994)


Trimbacher C., H. Ditrich: Cryotechnique in the SEM: Sample applications for environmental analysis. Beitr. elektronenmikroskop. Direktabb. Oberfl. 26; 151-156 (1993)


Carretero A., H. Ditrich, M. Navarro, H. Splechtna, J. Ruberte: Technical improvements in corrosion casting of small specimens: A study on mesonephric tubules and vessels of chicken embryos. Scanning Microsc.: 7; 1333-1338 (1993)


Schober U.M., H. Ditrich: Observations on tailstroke in two genera of Surgeonfishes (Osteichthyes: Acanthuridae). In: Trends in Ichthyology. An international perspective; Schröder, J.H., J. Bauer, M. Schartl (eds.); GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, England, 289-293 (1993)


Ditrich H., G. De Metrio: Keep your brain warm - anatomical investigations of the heating-organ of the Sword fish (Xiphias gladius L.: Xiphidae Osteichthyes). (Abstr.); Proc. XIth Int. Symposion on Morphol. Sci.; Barcelona (1993)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: The vascularization of the kidney of the eel (Anguilla anguilla - Osteichthyes) in the fresh water habitat. Scanning Mic.: 7; 279-286 (1993)


Blumer H., H. Ditrich, H. Splechtna: The splenic microvasculature of the Red-Eared Turtle (Chrysemys scripta elegans): A study concerning the question whether the circulation is anatomically open or closed. Scanning Mic.: 7; 273-278 (1993)


De Metrio G., H. Ditrich, P. Megalofonou, F. Giacchetta, M. Labate, S. Desantis: Dati preliminari sull'anatomia microscopica e l'ultrastruttura dell "Heater Tissue" di Xiphias gladius L. (Osteichthyes – Xiphidae). Atti Soc.Ital.Sci.Veterin.: 46; 619-622 (1992)


Schober U. M., H. Ditrich: Anatomy and use of the caudal spines in the aggressive behaviour of a Surgeonfish (Osteichthyes: Acanthuridae). Mar. Behav. Physiol.: 21; 277-284 (1992)


Schachner O., H. Ditrich: Comparison of three methods for demonstration of bone and cartilage in the embryonic skull of the white mouse. Zool. Jahrb. Anat.: 122; 267-273 (1992)


Ditrich H., A. Lametschwandtner: Glomerular development and growth of the renal blood vascular system in Xenopus laevis (Amphibia: Anura: Pipidae) during metamorphic climax. J. Morphol.: 213; 335-340 (1992)


Ditrich H.: Plasma ashing of filtered dust particles - a prerequisite for mineral fiber counting in the SEM? EUREM 92 - Electron Microscopy 92; Vol.2; A. Ríos, J.M. Arias, L. Megías-Megías, A. López-Galindo (eds.), Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain, 643-644 (1992)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: The vascular structure of the kidney of the neotenous axolotl and its metamorphosed counterpart. J. Morphol.: 211; 55-62 (1992)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Endothelial nuclear bulging: Morphological evidence for an intraglomerular perfusion regulating mechanism in the axolotl. Tissue Cell 23; 325-329 (1991)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Kidney structure investigations using scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts - a state of the art review. Scanning Mic.: 4; 943-956 (1990)


Weisgram J., H. Ditrich, H. Splechtna: Comparative functional anatomical study of the oral cavity in two turtle species. Int. Symp. Evol. Biol. Theory and Practice - Czechoslovakia Pilzen. lék. Sborn., Suppl.: 59; 117-122 (1989)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: The ophistonephric blood vascular system of the chicken embryo as studied by scanning electron microscopy of microvascular corrosion casts and critical point dried preparations. Scanning Mic.: 3; 559-565 (1989)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Comparative investigations on the ultrastructural and functional morphology of the renal vascular tuft. Fortschr. d. Zoolog./Progr. in Zool.: 35; 240-244 (1989)


Ditrich H., U. Schober: The spine-apparatus of the surgeonfish Acanthurus leucosternon (Osteichthyes: Acanthuridae). Fortschr. d. Zoolog./Progr. in Zool.: 35; 83-87 (1989)


Ditrich H., C. Trimbacher: Umweltkontrolle mit rasterelektronenmikroskopischer und röntgenenergiedispersiv-spektroskopischer Methodik. (Abstr.); Eur. J. Cell Biol.: 49; Suppl.27; p21 (1989)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: The renal vasculature of amphibians and reptiles: Ultrastructural morphology correlates with environmental requests. (Abstr.); Proc.1st World Congr.Herpetol. T. Halliday, J. Baker, L. Hosie (eds.), Univ.Kent; Canterbury, GB, p89 (1989)


Macfelda K., H. Ditrich, H. Splechtna: On the angiogenesis of the cerebrum of the white mouse. (Abstr.); Ann.Roy.Zool.Soc.Belg. 119; Suppl.1; p37 (1989)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: The renal vasculature of the Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum - Shaw, 1789) and its thyroxine-induced terrestrial form. (Abstr.) Ann.Roy.Zool.Soc.Belg. 119; Suppl.1; p103 (1989)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Processing of colloidal gold in the glomerular mesangium and macula densa of the duck kidney. Tissue Cell 20; 891-898 (1988)


Ditrich H.: Experimentell thyroxininduzierte Metamorphose von Ambystoma mexicanum (Shaw, 1789). Herpetozoa 1; 65-67 (1988)


Trimbacher C., H. Ditrich: Environmental impact on epicuticular wax structures of the spruce (Picea abies – Karsten). Beitr. elektronenmikroskop. Direktabb. Oberfl. 21; 519-522 (1988)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Comparison of three corrosion casting resins in some properties of practical relevance. EUREM 88 - Inst.of Physics Conference Series 93; Vol.3; H.G. Dickinson, P.J. Goodhew (eds.), Bath Press, Avon, GB, 347-348 (1988)


Ditrich H.: Scanning electron microscopic investigation of mouse cerebellar macrophages in vitro. Tissue Cell 19; 727-731 (1987)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts in comparative studies on renal vascular structure. Scanning Microsc. 1; 1339-1347 (1987)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Application of the microcorrosion casting technique to the SEM investigation of the blood vascular system of non-mammalians. (Abstr.) Eur. J. Cell Biol. 43; Suppl. 18; p10 (1987)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts of the glomeruli of two species of turtles. J. Morphol. 191; 145-149 (1987)


Ditrich H.: Brain macrophages in cerebellar cell cultures. Tissue Cell 18; 645-658 (1986)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: Functional aspects of renal glomeruli based on scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts, with special emphasis on reptiles and birds. Scanning Electron Micr. 1986/II; 591-597 (1986)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: SEM investigation on the morphology of renal glomerular microcorrosion casts of the dove. Beitr. elektronenmikroskop. Direktabb. Oberfl. 18; 257-260 (1985)


Ditrich H., H. Splechtna: SEM investigations on the morphology of renal glomerular microcorrosion casts of doves. (Abstr.); Eur. J. Cell Biol. Suppl. 10; p17 (1985)


Ditrich H.: SEM investigation of turtle glomerular mesangial channels - corrosion casts. Fortschr. d. Zoolog./Progr. in Zool. 30; 465-467 (1985)


Ditrich H.: Some effects of aldehyde prefixation to the SEM appearence of vascular microcorrosion casts. (Abstr.); Proc. Hungarian - Austrian Joint Conf. on Electron Microscopy; P.B. Barna, E. Hörl (eds.), p87 (1985) Balatonaglia, Hungary


Ditrich H.: SEM of methyl-methacrylate microcorrosion casts of two turtle species. Proc. 8th Eur. Congr. Electron Microscopy 3; 1821-1822 (1984) Budapest, Hungary


Huck S., H. Ditrich: Failure of 6-aminonicotinamide to selectively damage glial cells in vitro. (Abstr.); Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch. Pharmacol. 321; suppl.R 46 (1982)


Ditrich H., S. Huck: SEM investigation of osmium impregnated neuronal cell cultures. Proc. 10th Int. Congr. Electron Microscopy 3; 539-540 (1982) Hamburg, FRG