Signal processing at mammalian carotid body chemoreceptors

P2X3 receptors and sensitization of autonomic reflexes

“…Afferent information sensed by the CB exerts a plethora of reflex adjustments that are predominantly protective, rather than homeostatic, in nature. The signal transduction mechanisms for sensing oxygen and activating primary afferent neurons have been studied extensively (Buckler, 2007;Nurse and Piskuric, 2013;Peers et al, 2010;Prabhakar, 2013). Here, we summarize briefly the role of P2X receptors within the CB with particular emphasis on P2X3 receptors.…”

Effects of angiotensin II on leptin and downstream leptin signaling in the carotid body during acute intermittent hypoxia

“…The carotid 15 body, composed of specialized oxygen-sensing type-I 16 glomus cells, signals carotid sinus nerve endings that 17 transmit the afferent information to the nucleus of the soli-18 tary tract (Ciriello et al, 1994), activating homeostatic 19 mechanisms involving respiratory, cardiovascular and 20 hormonal systems (Schultz and Li, 2007;Kumar, 2009). 21 There are now considerable data suggesting that 22 substances within the circulation gain access to carotid 23 body glomus cells and alter their excitability (Allen,24 1998; Leung et al, 2000Leung et al, , 2003Chen et al, 2005;Peng 25 et al, 2006;Nurse and Piskuric, 2013). One vasoactive 26 compound shown to modify the discharge of carotid body 27 afferent fibers independent of its circulatory effects is 28 angiotensin II (ANG II) (Allen, 1998;Leung et al, 2000).…”

Brain glucose sensing and counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia

“…Taken together CBs contain complex chemosensory cells playing crucial role in the regulation of blood glucose and oxygen concentration via autonomic refl exes leading to secretion of counterregulatory hormones and increasing ventilation. Carotid body output signals assign the fi ne balance of excitatory and inhibitory pathways involving synaptic neurotransmitters, paracrine mediators released from both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons (28).…”