Physiological roles of connexins in labour and lactation
Gerald M Kidder1, Elke Winterhager2
1Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, CanadaInstitute of Molecular BiologyUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany gmk@uwo.ca.
Abstract:
The connexin family of proteins are best known as oligomerizing to form intercellular membrane channels (gap junctions) that metabolically and ionically couple cells to allow for coordinated cellular function. Nowhere in the body is this role better illustrated than in the uterine smooth muscle during parturition, where gap junctions conduct the contraction wave throughout the tissue to deliver the baby. Parturition is followed by the onset of lactation with connexins contributing to both the dramatic reorganization of mammary gland tissue leading up to lactation and the smooth muscle contraction of the myoepithelial cells which extrudes the milk. This review summarizes what is known about the expression and roles of individual connexin family members in the uterus during labour and in the mammary glands during development and lactation. Connexin loss or malfunction in mammary glands and the uterus can have serious implications for the health of both the mother and the newborn baby.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Gap Junctions
Gap Junctions
Contact-dependent Signaling
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
The Mammary Glands
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Neurotransmitters
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers


