Is Reye's syndrome a disorder of the locus ceruleus?

Non-cytopathic injury by non-adapted viruses to the neurons of the locus ceruleus is suggested as the etiology of Reye's syndrome. Disruption of the blood brain barrier due to abnormal physiology of the locus ceruleus with decreased production of norepinephrine and increased alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone activity is presented as the cause of cerebral edema. The fatty liver is suggested to be due to the lipolytic activity of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone.