Taken together, the researchers wrote, the findings suggest that an abnormality
in serotonin metabolism could indicate an underlying vulnerability that increases SIDS risk and that testing blood samples for serotonin could distinguish certain SIDS cases from other infant deaths.
-LSB-...] The data suggest that thyroid hormone may exert an important regulatory influence
on serotonin metabolism in the developing brain.»
The «short» 5 - HTTLPR allele has been associated with
low serotonin metabolism and behavioural problems in infant and juvenile Rhesus monkeys reared with peers only, but not in monkeys who were reared with their mothers and peers during infancy.
Taken together, the researchers wrote, the findings suggest that an abnormality
in serotonin metabolism could indicate an underlying vulnerability that increases SIDS risk and that testing blood samples for serotonin could distinguish certain SIDS cases from other infant deaths.
Dr. Kious and colleagues identify several areas in need of further research, including the effects of prolonged exposure to altitude on
both serotonin metabolism and brain bioenergetics.
And though we can't verify it from our data, we also think there's a highly causal relationship between changes in
serotonin metabolism and the smaller size of both the amygdala and the cingulate and a weaker connection between them.»
DHA is active in the membrane of ion channels in the brain, making it easier for them to change shape and transmit electrical signals, and is involved in
serotonin metabolism (reduced serotonin production and / or activity is a key factor in depression).