Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
Midazolam depresses carotid body chemoreceptor activity
1Department of Anesthesiology, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi, Tokyo, Japan. ckim@nms.ac.jp
Background:
Although the contribution of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor system in peripheral chemosensation is unclear, immunohistochemistry has demonstrated the presence of GABA-ergic receptors in mammalian carotid bodies. We hypothesized that an activation of the carotid body GABA receptors would counteract the depolarizing effect of hypoxia.
Methods:
The carotid body with arterial supply and the carotid sinus nerve was removed en bloc from New Zealand White rabbits and placed in a perfusion chamber. The carotid body preparation was perfused via the cut common carotid artery with a modified Tyrode's solution at a rate of 3.5-4.5 ml/min with a constant pressure of 45 cmH2O. The carotid sinus nerve firing frequency (Hz) was recorded at two different oxygen tension levels during perfusion with midazolam of 1, 10 and 100 microg/l.
Results:
The frequency was decreased by midazolam in a dose-dependent manner (n = 8). Firing frequencies (mean +/- SEM) at the low oxygen tension level decreased from 643.13 +/- 67.2 Hz in the control to 554.5 +/- 67.7 Hz (P = 0.054 vs. control), 509.01 +/- 100.5 Hz (P < 0.012 vs. control) and 422.6 +/- 77.3 Hz (P < 0.001 vs. control) during perfusion with midazolam of 1, 10 and 100 microg/l, respectively.
Conclusion:
Midazolam depresses carotid body chemoreceptor activity in a dose-dependent manner.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone

