Carotid body interoception in health and disease

Interoception entails perceiving or being aware of the internal state of the body, playing a pivotal role in regulating processes such as heartbeat, digestion, glucose metabolism, and respiration. The carotid body (CB) serves as an interoceptive organ, transmitting information to the brain via its sensitive nerve, the carotid sinus nerve, to maintain homeostasis. While traditionally known for sensing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels, the CB is now recognized to possess additional interoceptive properties, detecting various mediators involved in blood pressure regulation, inflammation, and glucose homeostasis, among other physiological functions. Furthermore, in the last decades CB dysfunction has been linked to diseases like sleep apnea, essential hypertension, and diabetes.

In this review manuscript, we make a concise overview of the traditional interoceptive functions of the CB, acting as a sensor for oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, and pH, and introduce the novel interoceptive properties of the CB related to vascular, glucose and energy regulation. Additionally, we revise the contribution of the CB to the onset and progression of metabolic diseases, delving into the potential dysfunction of its interoceptive metabolic functions as a contributing factor to pathophysiology. Finally, we postulate the use of therapeutic interventions targeting the metabolic interoceptive properties of the CB as a potential avenue for addressing metabolic diseases.