The DOI matches its Crossref record.
On the Phenomenon of Sudden Death in Animals and Man
Abstract
Summary A phenomenon of sudden death has been described that occurs in man, rats, and many other animals apparently as a result of hopelessness; this seems to involve overactivity primarily of the parasympathetic system. In this instance as in many others, the ideas of Walter Cannon opened up a new area of interesting, exciting research.
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Decreased body sway and heart rate (bradycardic effect) have been demonstrated in response to threatening stimuli (pictures of angry faces or of mutilation), social-threat stimuli, and states of anticipatory anxiety.
“Decreased body sway and heart rate (bradycardic effect) have been demonstrated in response to threatening stimuli (pictures of angry faces or of mutilation), social-threat stimuli, and states of anticipatory anxiety.73–81”
From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [78]
Onset of tonic immobility in mammals is associated with withdrawal of sympathetic activity.
“Onset of tonic immobility in mammals is associated with a withdrawal of sympathetic activity, as is well documented in dogs and rats.100,101”
From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [101]
Deaths from tonic immobility result from a parasympathetic surge combined with sympathetic withdrawal.
“Dissection and ECG studies in dogs and rats, respectively, suggest that these deaths result from a parasympathetic surge combined with sympathetic withdrawal.100,101”
From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [101]
The defense strategy of tonic immobility is potentially lethal.
“The defense strategy of tonic immobility is potentially lethal,101 as has been reported in many studies”
From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [101]
Vagal cardioinhibitory pathways can compromise survival in humans and other mammals.
“However, there is another literature contradicting the positive attributes of the vagus and linking vagal mechanisms to life-threatening responses, such as bradycardia (and potentially hypotension through diminished contractility) that could lead to sudden neurogenic death (e.g., Ref. [10]).”
From The vagal paradox: A polyvagal solution (2023) · cites this paper as Ref. [10]
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“Pattern of Autonomic (Visceromotor) Activation SYMPATHETIC Onset of tonic immobility in mammals is associated with a withdrawal of sympathetic activity, as is well documented in dogs and rats.(100,101)”
BackgroundSocial Engagement and Attachment: A Phylogenetic Perspective
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Porges, S. W. (2023) · Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100200 · Cited by 52
“[10]).”
BackgroundIs there any point to vasovagal syncope?
van Dijk, J. G., & Sheldon, R. (2008) · Clinical Autonomic Research · doi:10.1007/s10286-008-0484-x · Cited by 47
Emotionality and REMD: A rat swimming model
Hawkins, J., Phillips, N., Moore, J. D., Gilliland, M. A., Dunbar, S., & Hicks, R. A. (1980) · Physiology & Behavior · doi:10.1016/0031-9384(80)90202-4 · Cited by 30
Metadata
- Authors
- RICHTER, C. P.
- Affiliations
- Johns Hopkins University (US)
- Corresponding author
- RICHTER, CURT P.
- Venue
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Published
- 1957-05
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 191-198
- ISSN
- 0033-3174 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2335664502
- Cited by
- 391
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 4.28
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Psychosomatic Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Neuroscience of respiration and sleep
- Keywords
- sudden death, hopelessness, parasympathetic nervous system, Walter B. Cannon, rats, human death
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Death, Sudden, Frustration, Humans, Male, Parasympathetic Nervous System
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