Expression and localization of enkephalin, substance P, and substance P receptor genes in the rat carotid body.

Abstract

Peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid body sense changes in arterial oxygen, carbon dioxide tension and pH and play a critical role in modulating ventilation. The major components of the carotid body involved in chemoreception are the chemosensitive Type 1 cell which contains vesicles that store and release excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, the supportive Type 2 cell, blood vessels and fibers from the carotid sinus nerve, the output from the carotid body. Dopamine, Met-enkephalin and substance P are three putative neurotransmitters/neuromodulators that have been identified in the carotid body (for review see Gonzalez et al, 1995).KeywordsCarotid BodySuperior Cervical GanglionCarotid Sinus NerveSodium PolyacrylateSubstance PreceptorThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.