Cole S, Lindenberg L B, Galioto F M, Howe P E, DeGraff A C, Davis J M, Lubka R, Gross E M
Pediatrics. 1979 Jan;63(1):13-7.
The carotid bodies of four infants who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) were compared, using electron microscopic techniques, with the carotid bodies of various control subjects. In the SIDS patients, there was a marked reduction or absence of the dense cytoplasmic granules of the carotid chemorecptor cells, as well as a reduction in cell number and size. These ultrastructural abnormalities may be pathophysiologically related to SIDS. A defect in this respiratory control organ could block normal stimulation of respiration during the periods of hypoxia that occur during episodes of sleep apnea in infancy. Further studies by electron microscopy are required to confirm degranulation of the carotid body as a pathognomonic sign of SIDS. Screening of high-risk infants should be directed at studying the carotid body and its mediated responses to hypoxia.
利用电子显微镜技术，将4名死于婴儿猝死综合征（SIDS）的婴儿的颈动脉体与各类对照对象的颈动脉体进行了比较。在SIDS患者中，颈动脉化学感受器细胞的致密胞质颗粒显著减少或缺失，同时细胞数量和大小也有所减少。这些超微结构异常可能在病理生理上与SIDS相关。这个呼吸控制器官的缺陷可能会在婴儿睡眠呼吸暂停发作期间出现缺氧时，阻碍对呼吸的正常刺激。需要通过电子显微镜进行进一步研究，以确认颈动脉体脱颗粒作为SIDS的特征性体征。对高危婴儿的筛查应针对研究颈动脉体及其对缺氧的介导反应。
