Abstract
The ventilatory response to hypoxia has been related to the CB chemosensitivity. Changes in the chemosensory response observed in the postnatal period might be related to changes in the release of Dopamine (DA) and Norepinephrine (NE) from the CB as both are considered to be neuromodulators of the CB chemosensitivity.
METHODS: 5 groups of rabbits aged ≤1, 5, 15, 25 days and adults had their CB surgically removed under anesthesia, and 100% O2. The CB were immediatly infused in 400μl of nutritional media (HEPES + EDTA) for 1h at either 100% O2 (Control, n=7, 28, 16, 16, 4 respectively) or 8% O2 in N2 (Hypoxia, n= 10, 27, 20, 16, 3 respectively) at 37°C. CA content in the CB and the media was measured by HPLC.
Acute hypoxia increased significantly the release of DA from 5d of age. NE release also increased in response to hypoxia, but only from 25d of age. In the hypoxic newborn (≤ Id), DA content was increased but not its release.
CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the variations in the chemosensory response during development could be associated with changes in CA balance and release.
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Hascoët, JM., Bairam, A., Cottet-Emard, JM. et al. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAROTID BODY (CB) CATECHOLAMINE (CA) RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA IN RABBITS. Pediatr Res 35, 284 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199402000-00179
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199402000-00179