Inherent variations in CO-H2S-mediated carotid body O2 sensing mediate hypertension and pulmonary edema
Abstract
The carotid body chemosensory reflex is a principal regulator of breathing and blood pressure. Humans and experimental animals display marked interindividual variation in the carotid body chemosensory reflex; however, the underlying mechanisms are not known. Here, we demonstrate differences in carotid body O2 sensing to be mediated by inherent variations in carbon monoxide-sensitive hydrogen sulfide signaling in three distinct rat strains. Hyposensitivity of the carotid body to hypoxia was associated with higher CO and lower H2S levels, poor ventilatory adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia, and pulmonary edema. Hypersensitivity of the carotid body to low O2 was accompanied by reduced CO, greater H2S generation, and hypertension.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- January 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1322172111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.1174P