Carotid Body Chemoreceptors: From Mountain to Space

Key Points

• This review aims to explore the similarities in human physiological responses to high-altitude and microgravity environments and their links to chemoreceptor function.
• Review of existing literature on acclimatization to high-altitude and microgravity.
• Analysis of physiological responses involving chemoreceptors and chemoreflex control.
• Discussion of proposed bioconvergent mechanisms relating terrestrial and extraterrestrial acclimatization.
• Identified common physiological responses in extreme environments including autonomic imbalance and decreased exercise capacity.
• Proposed mechanisms suggest that chemoreflex control is key in mediating responses to both environments.
• Clarified the need for further research to delineate central mechanisms involved in these acclimatization processes.