(Ivanhoe Newswire) – New research sheds light on what may be the cause of
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Scientists have developed a mouse model and
discovered that an imbalance in the brainstem causes SIDS in mice.
SIDS is the leading cause of death during the first year of life in developed
countries. Previous research has shown victims of SIDS have alterations in their
brainstem neurons that communicate with serotonin. However, it was not
completely understood how this played a role in SIDS.
Researchers in Italy modified the serotonin system in mice to understand the
role of the signaling molecule in the brainstem. They overexpressed a receptor
that regulates serotonin signaling. They say at first the mice were normal, but
then they experienced sporadic drops in heart rate and body temperature. Half of
the mice died during these episodes.
Study authors say these findings, that show deficits in serotonin signaling in
the brainstem, are enough to cause sudden death and strongly support the idea it
could play a role in SIDS. They hope this mouse model will help doctors come up
with new ideas or ways to diagnose babies at risk for SIDS.
SOURCE: Science, 2008
