Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2003-2-28
pubmed:abstractText
Connexins are the protein constituents of gap junctions which mediate intercellular communication in most tissues. In arterioles gap junctions appear to be important for conduction of vasomotor responses along the vessel. Studies of the expression pattern of connexin isoforms in the microcirculation are sparse. We investigated the expression of the three major vascular connexins in mesenteric arterioles (diameter <50 micro m) from male Sprague-Dawley rats, since conducted vasomotor responses have been described in these vessels. The findings were compared with those obtained from upstream small resistance arteries. Indirect immunofluorescence techniques were used on whole mounts of mesenteric arterioles and on frozen sections of resistance arteries (diameter approximately 300 micro m). Mesenteric arterioles expressed Cx40 and Cx43 in the endothelial layer, and Cx37 was found in most but not all vessels. Connexins were not demonstrated in the media. In resistance arteries endothelial cells expressed Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43. Ultrastructural studies of mesenteric arterioles confirmed that gap junction plaques between endothelial cells are present, whereas myoendothelial, or smooth muscle cell gap junctions could not be demonstrated. The findings suggest that smooth muscle cells in mesenteric arterioles may not be well coupled and favour that conducted vasomotor responses in these vessels are propagated through the endothelial cell layer.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Feb
pubmed:issn
0948-6143
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
119
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
139-48
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2003
pubmed:articleTitle
Expression of connexin 37, 40 and 43 in rat mesenteric arterioles and resistance arteries.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Medical Physiology, Division of Renal and Cardiovascular Physiology, University of Copenhagen, The Panum Institute 10.5, Blegdamsvej 3, Denmark.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't