Study of the human hypoglossal nucleus: normal development and morpho-functional alterations in sudden unexplained late fetal and infant death.
This study evaluated the development and the involvement in sudden perinatal and infant death of the medullary hypoglossal nucleus, a nucleus that, besides to coordinate swallowing, chewing and vocalization, takes part in inspiration. Through histological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical methods in 65 cases of perinatal and infant victims (29 stillbirths, 7 newborns and 29 infants), who died of both unknown and known cause, the authors observed developmental anomalies of the hypoglossal nucleus (HGN) in high percentage of sudden unexplained fetal and infant deaths. In particular, HGN hypoplasia, hyperplasia, positive expression of somatostatin and absence of interneurons were frequently found particularly in infant deaths, with a significant correlation with maternal smoking.
Lavezzi
Anna Maria
AM
Lino Rossi Research Center for the Study and Prevention of Unexpected Perinatal Death and SIDS-Department of Surgical, Reconstructive and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Milan, Via della Commenda, 19, 20122 Milan, Italy. anna.lavezzi@unimi.it
Corna
Melissa
M
Mingrone
Rosaria
R
Matturri
Luigi
L
D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000473:pathology; D012125:Respiratory Center / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000473:pathology