Carotid body hypersensitivity in intermittent hypoxia and obtructive sleep apnoea

Carotid bodies are the principal sensory organs for detecting changes in arterial blood oxygen concentration, and the carotid body chemoreflex is a major regulator of the sympathetic tone, blood pressure and breathing. Intermittent hypoxia is a hallmark manifestation of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is a widespread respiratory disorder. In the first part of this review, we discuss the role of carotid bodies in heightened sympathetic tone and hypertension in rodents treated with intermittent hypoxia, and the underlying cellular, molecular and epigenetic mechanisms. We also present evidence for hitherto-uncharacterized role of carotid body afferents in triggering cellular and molecular changes induced by intermittent hypoxia. In the second part of the review, we present evidence for a contribution of a hypersensitive carotid body to OSA and potential therapeutic intervention to mitigate OSA in a murine model.

Automated summary

Carotid bodies are important sensory organs that detect changes in arterial blood oxygen concentration, and they play a key role in regulating the sympathetic tone, blood pressure, and breathing. This review discusses the effects of intermittent hypoxia on the carotid bodies, including its role in increased sympathetic tone and hypertension, as well as the underlying cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms. The review also presents evidence for the contribution of a hypersensitive carotid body to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and potential therapeutic interventions for OSA in a murine model.