title: Key roles for AMP-activated protein kinase in the function of the carotid body?
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.
authors: University of St Andrews, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biology.
authors: Christopher N
authors: CN
authors: Wyatt
authors: Selina A
authors: SA
authors: Pearson
authors: Prem
authors: P
authors: Kumar
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Peers
authors: D Grahame
authors: DG
authors: Hardie
authors: A Mark
authors: AM
authors: Evans
mesh_terms: D055372:AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002344:Carotid Body / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D009097:Multienzyme Complexes / Q000378:metabolism*; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D009097:Multienzyme Complexes; D021122:Protein Subunits; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D055372:AMP-Activated Protein Kinases