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Key roles for AMP-activated protein kinase in the function of the carotid body?
Christopher N Wyatt1, Selina A Pearson, Prem Kumar
1University of St Andrews, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biology.
Abstract:
The carotid bodies play a critical role in initiating compensatory ventilatory responses to hypoxia. However, the complete mechanism by which hypoxia excites the oxygen-sensing carotid body type 1 cells has not been fully defined. We have previously proposed that the enzyme adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may couple hypoxic inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to carotid body type I cell excitation (Evans, Mustard, Wyatt, Peers, Dipp, Kumar, Kinnear and Hardie 2005). Here we discuss evidence that AMPK is a key requirement for hypoxic chemotransduction by the carotid body. In addition, we postulate upon a role for AMPK in the plasticity observed in the carotid body during both chronic and chronic intermittent hypoxia.
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