High serum serotonin in sudden infant death syndrome.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of postneonatal infant mortality, likely comprises heterogeneous disorders with the common phenotype of sudden death without explanation upon postmortem investigation. Previously, we reported that ∼40% of SIDS deaths are associated with abnormalities in serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in regions of the brainstem critical in homeostatic regulation. Here we tested the hypothesis that SIDS is associated with an alteration in serum 5-HT levels.

Exploring the modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α by volatile anesthetics as a possible mechanism underlying volatile anesthetic-induced CNS injury.

This review summarizes recent research on the potential cognitive and behavioural abnormalities induced by exposure to volatile anesthetics and suggests a role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in mediating these events. Volatile anesthetics are widely utilized in clinical and research settings, yet the long-term safety of exposure to these agents is under debate. Findings from various animal models suggest volatile anesthetics induce widespread apoptosis in the central nervous system (CNS) that correlates with lasting deficits in learning and memory.