Contribution of Endothelial and Neuronal NOS Isoforms

Marcel Dekkeb, Inc. 270 Madison Avenue. New York. New York 10016 

Marcel Dekker, Inc-270 Madison Avenue, New Yoric, New Yoik 10016 

In conclusion, the distribution of NOS immunoreactivity and the pharmacological and physiological evidence analyzed and discussed here support the proposal that CB endogenous NO exerts a tonic inhibitory effect on CB chemoreception. Clearly, NO in low concentration is a broad inhibitory modulator of the chemoreception process in the CB. NO may modulate chemoreception by regulating the CB vascular tone, the oxygen delivery to the chemoreceptor cells, and the excitability of glomus cells and petrosal sensory neurons. 

This work was in part supported by grants FONDECYT 198-0965 and 199-0030 and by the Direction of Research and Graduate Studies (DIPUC) of the P. Catholic University of Chile. We would like to thank Mrs Carolina Larrain for her assistance in the preparation of this chapter. 

Eyzaguirre C, Zapata P. Perspectives in carotid body research. J Appl Physiol 1984 57 931-957. 

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