FIRST BREATH
Independence begins with a lungful of air
Scientists from the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered that a mouse’s first gasp after birth triggers a signal in the brainstem that activates a critical breathing support system as a baby exits the womb.
Neither mice nor human babies need to breathe in the womb as oxygenated blood is circulated by the mother through the umbilical cord. Amniotic fluid fills the newborn’s lungs at birth and is expelled as their lungs inflate with the first breath.
“Birth is traumatic for the newborn, as the baby has to independently take control over various important body functions, including breathing,” said Prof Douglas Bayliss, one of the scientists who made the discovery. “We think that activation of this support system at birth provides an extra safety factor for this critical period.”
It’s hoped a better understanding of this brainstem signalling system could help prevent brain-damaging and potentially deadly pauses in babies’ breathing.
Specifically, researchers found that mice possess a gene that produces a neurotransmitter (a messenger between neurons) immediately after birth. Deactivating this transmitter caused serious breathing problems in mice. This suggests that a problem with the neurotransmitter or guiding gene could contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Also known as cot death, SIDS is the leading cause of infant mortality in Western countries.
“These findings raise the interesting possibility that additional birthrelated changes may occur in the control systems for breathing and other critical functions,” said Bayliss.
The scientists say that there may be other important factors contributing to SIDS still to discover, though. Plus, it’s yet to be seen how insightful this mice study is to human childbirth.