Pathogenic Roles of the Carotid Body Inflammation in Sleep Apnea

Figure 1

Schematic diagram shows the role of inflammation in the carotid body in the pathogenic cascade of sleep apnea. Arrows are the direction of the pathogenic effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in the carotid body leading to augmented activities of the carotid chemoreceptor and chemoreflex activity, significantly contributing to the pathophysiological consequence impacting on breathing instability and autonomic imbalance.