Physiology: destruction of peripheral chemoreceptors with resulting decreased hypoxic ventilatory response and slight increase in the resting arterial pCO2
Formerly Used as a Treatment for Asthma in Japan (During the 1940’s) and in the US (Until 1960’s) (see Asthma, Asthma): however, it was abandoned when proven to not be efficacious
Depressed Hypoxic Ventilatory Response During Exercise
Minor Abnormalities in Carbon Dioxide Regulation During Exercise: however, the pt is typically eucapnic at rest
Physiology
Dysfunction of Carotid Body Chemoreceptors
Central Hypoventilation: resulting in hypercapnia and hypoxemia (and consequent hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction)
Decreased Ventilatory Response to Hypercapnia/Hypoxemia
Note: Approximately 70% of the Hypercapnic Ventilatory Drive is Normally Due to the Medullary Brainstem Receptors with the Remainder Being Due to Cerebral Cortex Input, Carotid Body Chemoreceptors, Lung Mechanoreceptors, and Cerebrospinal Fluid pH (Which is the Most Sensitive)
Surgical treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema by bilateral carotid body resection. Respir Ther. 1975; 5:18
Bilateral carotid body resection for the relief of dyspnea in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Physiologic and clinical observations in three patients. Chest. 1989 May;95(5):1123-8 [MEDLINE]