Benzolamide, acetazolamide, and signal transduction in avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptors

S. C. Hempleman, T. A. Rodriguez, Y. A. Bhagat, R. S. Begay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intrapulmonary chemoreceptors (IPC) are CO2-sensitive sensory neurons that innervate the lungs of birds, help control the rate and depth of breathing, and require carbonic anhydrase (CA) for normal function. We tested whether the CA enzyme is located intracellularly or extracellularly in IPC by comparing the effect of a CA inhibitor that is membrane permeable (iv acetazolamide) with one that is relatively membrane impermeable (iv benzolamide). Single cell extracellular recordings were made from vagal filaments in 16 anesthetized, unidirectionally ventilated mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Without CA inhibition, action potential discharge rate was inversely proportional to inspired PCO2 (-9.0 ± 0.8 s-1·lnTorr-1; means ± SE, n = 16) and exhibited phasic responses to rapid PCO2 changes. Benzolamide (25 mg/kg iv) raised the discharge rate but did not alter tonic IPC PCO2 response (-9.8 ± 1.6 s-1·lnTorr-1, n = 8), and it modestly attenuated phasic responses. Acetazolamide (10 mg/kg iv) raised IPC discharge, significantly reduced tonic IPC PCO2 response to -3.5 ± 3.6 s-1·lnTorr-1 (n = 6), and severely attenuated phasic responses. Results were consistent with an intracellular site for CA that is less accessible to benzolamide. A model of IPC CO2 transduction is proposed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)R1988-R1995
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Volume279
Issue number6 48-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Action potentials
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Carbonic anhydrase
  • Sensory neurons

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Physiology (medical)

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