Open AccessAlteration in regulation of inflammatory response to influenza a virus and endotoxin in suckling rat pups: a potential relationship to sudden infant death syndrome
Author(s) -
BloodSiegfried Jane,
Nyska Abraham,
Geisenhoffer Kristen,
Lieder Holly,
Moomaw Cindy,
Cobb Kelly,
Shelton Burton,
Coombs William,
Germolec Dori
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsim.2004.06.004
Subject(s) - immunology , sudden infant death syndrome , biology , immune system , cytokine , inflammation , nitric oxide , lung , virus , medicine , endocrinology , pediatrics
Data increasingly implicate a possible role of immune and inflammatory responses to infection in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We have previously described a dual challenge model that results in pathology, organ damage, vascular collapse and unexplained death similar to that seen in SIDS. In this study, we examined changes in inflammatory cytokine mRNA in the lung and liver and regulation of pathways associated with nitric oxide production. Our data suggest that priming of the immune system by mild viral infection disturbs normal inflammatory response to endotoxin. This results in an increased nitric oxide synthase production, most likely the cause of liver pathology and clotting abnormalities.