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Expression of connexin-43 in human myometrium and leiomyoma
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook 11794-8091.
Objectives:
The expression of connexin-43 was examined in human leiomyomas and in autologous myometrium.
Study Design:
Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect connexin-43 gap junctions in myometrial and leiomyoma tissues and in primary cultures. Immunoblot and Northern analyses were used to examine the levels of connexin-43 protein and cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid in primary cultures.
Results:
Connexin-43 gap junctions were detected in leiomyoma tissue from nonpregnant premenopausal women but not in autologous myometrial tissue. Connexin-43 gap junctions form spontaneously in primary cultures of myometrium and leiomyoma in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol. Fluorescent dye injection confirmed that the gap junctions were coupled in the primary cells. Connexin-43 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid levels generally were higher in leiomyoma cells compared with those of autologous myometrial cells. Steady-state levels of cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid decreased with addition of medroxyprogesterone acetate to the cultures.
Conclusions:
Differences in the levels of cx43 expression in leiomyoma and myometrial cells may reflect differences in responses to steroid hormones.