Quantitative autoradiographic study of somatostatin and neurotensin binding sites in medulla oblongata of SIDS.

Quantitative autoradiography analysis of neurotensin (NT) and somatostatin (SS) binding sites was performed on coronal sections of the medulla oblongata from 2 fetuses, 6 controls and 7 victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Throughout the first postnatal year, mean SS binding site density was similar in controls and SIDS in all structures of the medulla oblongata. The density of neurotensin binding sites was significantly higher in the nucleus of tractus solitarius (NTS) of SIDS than in controls, but there was no significant differences in the other areas of the medulla oblongata. Our findings suggest an immature developmental pattern of increased NT binding sites the NTS of SIDS. This alteration may be related to an abnormal central cardiorespiratory and arousal control which is thought to be present in SIDS.