Physiological roles of connexins in labour and lactation

Kidder, Gerald M.; Winterhager, Elke

doi:10.1530/rep-15-0134

Cited by 15 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…Traditionally, it was supposed that hemichannels would not act alone, but rather line up with a corresponding hemichannel from the neighboring cell to form a channel directly from the cytosol in one cell to the cytosol in the other cell, through which small water-soluble molecules and ions can diffuse [30]. In some tissues, such as the heart and uterus, these channels are of utmost importance for passing the electrical impulse from cell to cell, making these organs contract in a synchronized manner [31,32]. The channels are probably also involved in cellular homeostasis and growth control [33], possibly through interactions with numerous proteins involved in signaling and regulation [34][35][36].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phylogeny of teleost connexins reveals highly inconsistent intra- and interspecies use of nomenclature and misassemblies in recent teleost chromosome assemblies

2020

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Background: Based on an initial collecting of database sequences from the gap junction protein gene family (also called connexin genes) in a few teleosts, the naming of these sequences appeared variable. The reasons could be (i) that the structure in this family is variable across teleosts, or (ii) unfortunate naming. Rather clear rules for the naming of genes in fish and mammals have been outlined by nomenclature committees, including the naming of orthologous and ohnologous genes. We therefore analyzed the connexin gene family in teleosts in more detail. We covered the range of divergence times in teleosts (eel, Atlantic herring, zebrafish, Atlantic cod, three-spined stickleback, Japanese pufferfish and spotted pufferfish; listed from early divergence to late divergence). Results: The gene family pattern of connexin genes is similar across the analyzed teleosts. However, (i) several nomenclature systems are used, (ii) specific orthologous groups contain genes that are named differently in different species, (iii) several distinct genes have the same name in a species, and (iv) some genes have incorrect names. The latter includes a human connexin pseudogene, claimed as GJA4P, but which in reality is Cx39.2P (a delta subfamily gene often called GJD2like). We point out the ohnologous pairs of genes in teleosts, and we suggest a more consistent nomenclature following the outlined rules from the nomenclature committees. We further show that connexin sequences can indicate some errors in two high-quality chromosome assemblies that became available very recently. Conclusions: Minimal consistency exists in the present practice of naming teleost connexin genes. A consistent and unified nomenclature would be an advantage for future automatic annotations and would make various types of subsequent genetic analyses easier. Additionally, roughly 5% of the connexin sequences point out misassemblies in the new high-quality chromosome assemblies from herring and cod.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phylogeny of teleost connexins reveals highly inconsistent intra- and interspecies use of nomenclature and misassemblies in recent teleost chromosome assemblies

2020

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“…Connexin 26,32,37, and 43 form myometrial GJs 25 . The expression level of GJs, as well as the type of connexins used to form those GJs, regulate the intercellular resistivity (IR) 26 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A myofibre model for the study of uterine excitation-contraction dynamics

Goldsztejn

Nehorai

2020

Sci Rep

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As the uterus remodels in preparation for delivery, the excitability and contractility of the uterine smooth muscle layer, the myometrium, increase drastically. But when remodelling proceeds abnormally it can contribute to preterm birth, slow progress of labour, and failure to initiate labour. Remodelling increases intercellular coupling and cellular excitability, which are the main targets of pharmaceutical treatments for uterine contraction disorders. However, the way in which electrical propagation and force development depend on intercellular coupling and cellular excitability is not fully understood. Using a computational myofibre model we study the dependency of electrical propagation and force development on intercellular coupling and cellular excitability. This model reveals that intercellular coupling determines the conduction velocity. Moreover, our model shows that intercellular coupling alone does not regulate force development. Further, cellular excitability controls whether conduction across the cells is blocked. Lastly, our model describes how cellular excitability regulates force development. Our results bridge cellular factors, targeted by drugs to regulate uterine contractions, and tissue level electromechanical properties, which are responsible for delivery. They are a step forward towards understanding uterine excitation-contraction dynamics and developing safer and more efficient pharmaceutical treatments for uterine contraction disorders.

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“…Martínez-Burnes et al [ 7 ] described the physiological role of pain that, together with the degree of fetal maturity, transform the uterus from a quiescent organ to an active one with an abundant presence of oxytocin receptors and proteins such as connexin 43 (Cx43), the elements that cause sustained, synchronic contractions of the myometrium [ 19 , 20 ]. Reports on mammals suggest that the increase in binding sites in the uterus occurs 24 h before the onset of parturition, and that their number increases over 300-fold once the phase of parturition begins [ 21 ].…”

Section: Controversy On the Participation Of Pain During Parturitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analgesia during Parturition in Domestic Animals: Perspectives and Controversies on Its Use

Mota-Rojas

Velarde

Marcet-Rius

et al. 2022

Animals

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This article analyzes the physiological role of pain during parturition in domestic animals, discusses the controversies surrounding the use of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local analgesics as treatments during labor, and presents the advantages and disadvantages for mother and offspring. Labor is a potentially stressful and painful event, due to the contractions that promote expulsion of the fetus. During labor, neurotransmitters such as the prostaglandins contribute to the sensitization of oxytocin receptors in the myometrium and the activation of nociceptive fibers, thus supporting the physiological role of pain. Endogenously, the body secretes opioid peptides that modulate harmful stimuli and, at the same time, can inhibit oxytocin’s action in the myometrium. Treating pain during the different stages of parturition is an option that can help prevent such consequences as tachycardia, changes in breathing patterns, and respiratory acidosis, all of which can harm the wellbeing of offspring. However, studies have found that some analgesics can promote myometrial contractility, increase expulsion time, affect fetal circulation, and alter mother–offspring recognition due to hypnotic effects. Other data, however, indicate that reducing the number of uterine contractions with analgesics increases their potency, thus improving maternal performance. Managing pain during labor requires understanding the tocolytic properties of analgesics and their advantages in preventing the consequences of pain.

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Physiological roles of connexins in labour and lactation

Cited by 15 publications

References 84 publications

Phylogeny of teleost connexins reveals highly inconsistent intra- and interspecies use of nomenclature and misassemblies in recent teleost chromosome assemblies

Phylogeny of teleost connexins reveals highly inconsistent intra- and interspecies use of nomenclature and misassemblies in recent teleost chromosome assemblies

A myofibre model for the study of uterine excitation-contraction dynamics

Analgesia during Parturition in Domestic Animals: Perspectives and Controversies on Its Use

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