Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) neurons in the medulla oblongata project extensively to key autonomic and respiratory nuclei in the brainstem and spinal cord regulating critical homeostatic functions. Multiple abnormalities in markers of 5-HT function in the medulla in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have been reported, informing the hypothesis that at least a subset of SIDS cases is caused by deficits in 5-HT function resulting in impaired homeostatic responses to potentially life-threatening events during sleep. To investigate medullary 5-HT defects in SIDS further, we undertook qualitative analysis immunohistochemical assessment of 5-HT neuron expression within the medulla of SIDS infants (n41) and non- SIDS controls (n=28) in an independent cohort from Forensic Science South Australia. Compared with controls SIDS cases had significantly higher 5-HT neuron numbers and density in addition to significantly altered 5-HT neuron morphology. Thus, for the first time, we replicated and corroborated previous observations of a significant abnormality in medullary 5-HT neuron expression in SIDS in a separate independent SIDS cohort. This study further supports the hypothesis that medullary 5-HT defects contribute to the pathogenesis of a subset of SIDS victims and provides additional evidence of a more complex abnormality in 5-HT neuron dysfunction specifically within the different caudal and rostral medullary 5-HT domains.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 864-873 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology |
Volume | 76 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published or Issued - Oct 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Brain pathology
- Medulla
- Neurotransmitter
- Respiration
- SIDS
- Serotonin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience