Nicotinic Receptor Abnormalities in the Cerebellar Cortex of Sudden Unexplained Fetal and Infant Death Victims-Possible Correlation With Maternal Smoking. | LitMetric
4 Department of Diagnostic and Clinical Medicine and of Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico Hospital, Modena, Italy.
Published: December 2017
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are cationic channels of the neuronal cell membrane, differentially expressed in the central nervous system which, when activated by endogenous acetylcholine or exogenous nicotine, are able to enhance cholinergic transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate in human perinatal age the immunohistochemical expression of the α7-nAChR subtype, given its involvement in neuronal differentiation and its significant vulnerability to the toxic effects of nicotine. Thirty fetuses (with a gestational age between 25 and 40 weeks) and 35 infants (1-6 months old), suddenly died of known (controls) and unknown causes (unexplained deaths), with smoking and nonsmoking mothers, were included in this study. A negative or low immunoexpression of α7-nAChRs, indicative of their inactivation, was observed in the granular layers of the cerebellar cortex in 66% of the sudden unexplained perinatal deaths and 11% of the controls. A high correlation was also observed between these findings and maternal smoking. Apart from the well-known adverse effects of nicotine exposure during pregnancy, it may also cause significant alterations in cerebellar cholinergic transmission in areas of the brain involved in vital functions. These events may give us insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to sudden unexplained fetal and infant death.
Aims: Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) refers to a sudden death, which remains unexplained despite comprehensive post-mortem examination and a toxicological screen. We aimed to investigate the impact of age and sex on the overall diagnostic yield and underlying aetiology in decedents with SADS using a combined approach of familial evaluation (FE) and molecular autopsy (MA).
Methods And Results: Consecutive referrals to a single centre for FE only, MA only or both, following a SADS death were included.
Sudden deaths in infants and children represent a profound and tragic event that continues to challenge researchers despite extensive investigation over several decades. The predominant phenotype, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), has evolved into the broader category of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). In older children, a less understood phenomenon known as sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) has garnered attention.
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- Sudden cardiac arrest and death can affect athletes of all ages and competition levels, representing a significant and preventable public health issue globally.
- There is uncertainty around the exact rates of these incidents due to insufficient reporting and lack of infrastructure, and disparities exist in outcomes between Black and White athletes.
- Causes vary by age, with younger athletes often facing genetic heart issues while older athletes typically experience coronary artery disease; emergency action plans are crucial for effective cardiac care.
