Coupled cell networks are target cells of inflammation, which can spread between different body organs and develop into systemic chronic inflammation

Abstract

Several organs in the body comprise cells coupled into networks. These cells have in common that they are excitable but do not express action potentials. Furthermore, they are equipped with Ca2+ signaling systems, which can be intercellular and/or extracellular. The transport of small molecules between the cells occurs through gap junctions comprising connexin 43. Examples of cells coupled into networks include astrocytes, keratinocytes, chondrocytes, synovial fibroblasts, osteoblasts, connective tissue cells, cardiac and corneal fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, hepatocytes, and different types of glandular cells. These cells are targets for inflammation, which can be initiated after injury or in disease. If the inflammation reaches the CNS, it develops into neuroinflammation and can be of importance in the development of systemic chronic inflammation, which can manifest as pain and result in changes in the expression and structure of cellular components. Biochemical parameters of importance for cellular functions are described in this review.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Modulates Tendon Cells Response in IL‐1β‐Conditioned Environment

“…Connective tissues as tendons are excellent coupled cell networks that can facilitate/stop the spread of inflammatory cues . The cell–cell communication established via gap junction channels as connexin 43 is of extreme importance to prevent or perpetuate inflammatory signals between cells.…”

Pathophysiological mechanisms of persistent orofacial pain

“…The junction between satellite glial cells is constructed from a gap junction, which is known as a connexin and consists of two hemichannels [32]. Satellite glial cells are able to communicate with each other via their gap junctions; consequently, several ions and small molecules are able to pass between satellite glial cells [33].…”

Characterization of cellular and matrix alterations in the early pathogenesis of osteochondritis dissecans in pigs using second harmonic generation and two‐photon excitation fluorescence microscopy

“…The first type was ellipsoidal or cuboidal and chondrocyte‐like, while the second type was stellate‐shaped and had long processes that appeared to form connections to neighboring cells. Previous studies have shown that chondrocytes in the articular cartilage can connect to each other via cell‐to‐cell interactions and form functional gap junctions that express C×43 . In a review about cartilage cell clusters it was stated that “Such cell‐cell interactions are likely to also occur in cell clusters but this has not been formally demonstrated.” The current study gave further support to the existence of such connections.…”