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Morphometric analysis of gap junction density in human myometrium at term
W M Kilarski1, M Rezapour, T Bäckström
1Department of Cytology & Histology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Human myometrial gap junctions increase during labor, contrary to the progesterone hypothesis. Despite high progesterone levels, labor is associated with more numerous and larger gap junctions in the myometrium.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular biology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Gap junction formation in human myometrium during labor is not well understood.
- The role of progesterone in inhibiting gap junction formation is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of gap junctions in human myometrium at term.
- To correlate gap junction formation with labor status and progesterone levels.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy and morphometric analysis of myometrial tissue from 17 women.
- Radioimmunoassay for progesterone and estradiol in maternal and cord blood.
Main Results:
- Gap junction frequency, area, and fractional area were significantly higher in women in labor compared to those not in labor.
- Progesterone concentrations were higher in maternal blood during labor.
- Numerous, large gap junctions were observed in myometrium despite high progesterone levels.
Conclusions:
- Labor is associated with increased myometrial gap junction formation.
- High progesterone levels at term do not prevent gap junction formation in human myometrium.
- Findings challenge the established hypothesis regarding progesterone's inhibitory role.