Role of Tyrosine Kinase B (TrkB) Signaling in the Regulation of
Carotid Body Development by Hyperoxia of Carotid Body
Development by Hyperoxia  Diane Grace Brackett (Neuroscience)
Advisor: Ryan Bavis  There is a strong correlation between
perinatal exposure to hyperoxia (highoxygen, > 21% O2) and a
reduction in the size of the carotid body (CB), a peripheral
sensory organ important in respiratory control. This
morphological change is associated with a blunted hypoxic
ventilatory response (HVR) in mammals such as rats and mice. The
HVR is a reflexive increase in breathing that occurs during
exposure to acute hypoxia (low oxygen, < 21% O2) in order to
compensate for low blood oxygen. The mechanism by which
hyperoxia affects CB morphology and function is largely unknown,
but recent studies have provided important clues. Brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling via the tyrosine kinase B
(TrkB) receptor has been shown to be crucial in the proper
development of the CB and consequently, respiratory contro