Hypoxia, the carotid body, and the brain
Symposium Chairs: Susan Ward (Crickhowell, United Kingdom), Graham Hall (West Perth, Australia)
Aims: The carotid body is a small organ of great physiological importance because it is the main sensor of hypoxia in the body. New data suggest that the carotid body plays a complex role in the modulation of sympathetic activity in response to not only hypoxia but also metabolic stimuli. This session will discuss the clinical implications of the most recent research, with special emphasis on the role of the carotid body in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. This session will also expand our understanding of the consequences of impaired blood gases in the brain in patients with respiratory diseases. The audience will leave the session with a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the functional handicaps of respiratory patients, and the new opportunities in treatment and patient management.