The carotid body (CB) is a major peripheral arterial chemoreceptor organ that evokes
compensatory reflex responses so as to maintain gas homeostasis. It is dually innervated by
sensory fibers from petrosal ganglion (PG) neurons, and autonomic fibers from
postganglionic sympathetic neurons of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and
parasympathetic vasomotor fibers of intrinsic ganglion cells in the CB. The presence of nitric
oxide (NO), a putative gaseous neurotransmitter substance in a number of neuronal and non …