Increased ALZ-50-Reactive Neurons in the Brains of SIDS Infants: An Indicator of Greater Neuronal Death?

Brain tissue from 15 infants who had died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and 15 age-matched control infants was investigated for the presence of degenerating neurons using ALZ-50 immunocytochemical methods. Significantly increased numbers (P < .0001) of ALZ-50-reactive neurons were found in SIDS infants compared to infants dying of known causes. The location and appearance of such ALZ-50-reactive neurons in SIDS may indicate that the initial degeneration of the central nervous system occurs early in the development of affected infants. (J Child Neurol 1991;6:123-127).

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