Distinct cytokine profile in SIDS brain: a common denominator in a multifactorial syndrome?

Neurology. 2003 Nov 11;61(9):1256-9. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000092014.14997.47.

Abstract

Cytokines modify neuronal function. Dysfunction in vital centers is reported in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The authors detected high neuronal interleukin (IL)-1beta immunoreactivity in the arcuate and dorsal vagal nuclei in SIDS. This IL-1 overexpression might contribute to molecular interactions in brainstem neurovegetative centers, causing disturbed homeostatic control of cardiorespiratory and arousal responses, possibly leading to SIDS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / pathology
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Cytokines / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interleukin-1 / analysis*
  • Interleukin-6 / analysis
  • Male
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Organ Size
  • Sudden Infant Death / etiology
  • Sudden Infant Death / pathology*
  • Syndrome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / analysis

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-1
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha