Zhang Shu, Guan Da-Wei, Wang Ling, Wang Hua-Xin, Zhang Guo-Hua, Zhao Rui, Fan Yan-Yan
Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2011 Dec;27(6):401-4.
To observe the expression of GABA(A) receptor alpha1 (GABA(A)alpha1) and GABA(B) receptor 1 (GABA(B)1) in human medulla oblongata solitary nucleus and ambiguous nucleus due to tramadol-induced death.
GABA(A)alpha1 and GABA(B)1 were detected by immunohistochemical SP method in tramadol-induced death group and control group. All results were evaluated by images analysis system.
Low expression of GABA(A)alpha1 and GABA(B)1 were detected in solitary nucleus and ambiguous nucleus in the control brain tissue. In cases of tramadol-induced death, the expression of GABA(A)alpha1 and GABA(B)1 significantly increased.
The mechanism of tramadol intoxication death could be caused by respiratory depression induced by over-expression of GABA(A)alpha1 and GABA(B)1 in medulla oblongata solitary nucleus and ambiguous nucleus.
