Our Human and Integrative Physiology study team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is interested in the role that the carotid body (a small organ in your neck) plays in regulation of blood sugar.  We are seeking research study participants aged 18-65 that have been diagnosed with paraganglioma syndrome and have had carotid body tumors on both sides of their necks surgically resected.

We have published data in healthy individuals showing that the carotid body organ is important in regulating the body’s response to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).  The next step is to determine if paraganglioma patients who have had carotid body tumors removed have alterations in their ability to sense and respond to low blood sugar.  This study has important implications both to the well-being of patients who have undergone the carotid body surgical procedure and also to a better understanding of the role the carotid body plays in normal body function.

The study takes place at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  You would visit the Mayo Clinic for 2 overnight stays.  Travel expenses and payment for your participation would be covered.   For more information please contact meyer.nancy2@mayo.edu.