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G proteins in carotid body chemoreception
N R Prabhakar1, Y R Kou, G K Kumar
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Biological Signals
|September 1, 1995
Summary
This study investigated G protein involvement in carotid body oxygen sensing. Results indicate G proteins are present and coupled to the hypoxic stimulus transduction and transmission in this chemoreceptor tissue.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- G proteins are crucial signal transducers for neurotransmitters and sensory inputs.
- The role of G proteins in oxygen chemoreception within the carotid body remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if G proteins are involved in the carotid body's response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia).
Main Methods:
- Carotid bodies from anesthetized cats were isolated for experimentation.
- G protein presence was assessed using ADP-ribosylation with pertussis toxin (PTX) and cholera toxin (CTX).
- The effect of toxin perfusion on the hypoxic sensory response was measured.
Main Results:
- PTX ADP-ribosylated a 41 kDa protein band, indicating G protein presence.
- PTX treatment significantly attenuated the hypoxic response by 52%.
- CTX treatment potentiated the hypoxic response by 125% and increased baseline activity.
Conclusions:
- G proteins are present in the carotid body chemoreceptor tissue.
- These G proteins appear to be functionally coupled to the transduction and/or transmission of the hypoxic stimulus.