Role of cyclic nucleotides in carotid chemoreception

The role of cAMP as mediator between chemical stimulation and metabolic reactions of cel ls has been demonstrated for several different sensory systems [5]. Its decisive role has been shown in the reception of various alkaloids by cells of the taste apparatus [2]. A high concentration of cyclic nucleotides has been found in the carotid labyrinth of amphibians (cAMP 738 pmoles .g-l , cGMP 40 pmoles .gl ) [3, 4], and changes in the cAMP level have been found during the action of dopamine on mammalian chemoreceptors [7], yet the role of cyclic nucleotides in carotid chemoreception in mammals has not been studied in detail. This paper describes an attempt to discover the role of cyclase systems in the mechanisms of perception of chemical substances of different types by the gtomus cells.