Figure 1.

Schematic representation of the carotid body (CB) involvement in the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance through an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity. (A) Hypercaloric diets and intermittent hypoxia promote an increase in CB activity that contributes to the augmentation of sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to metabolic dysfunction. (B) Modulation of CB activity through the carotid sinus nerve (CSN) resection or via hyperbaric oxygen therapy, normalized sympathetic nervous system activity, improving dysmetabolism.