Intercellular calcium waves in primary cultured rat mesenteric smooth muscle cells are mediated by connexin43.
AuthorsHalidi N, Alonso F, Burt JM, Bény JL, Haefliger JA, Meister JJ,
JournalCell Commun Adhes
PubMed ID22642233
Intercellular Ca(2+) wave propagation between vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is associated with the propagation of contraction along the vessel. Here, we characterize the involvement of gap junctions (GJs) in Ca(2+) wave propagation between SMCs at the cellular level. Gap junctional communication was assessed by the propagation of intercellular Ca(2+) ... More
Loss of connexin40 is associated with decreased endothelium-dependent relaxations and eNOS levels in the mouse aorta.
Upon agonist stimulation, endothelial cells trigger smooth muscle relaxation through the release of relaxing factors such as nitric oxide (NO). Endothelial cells of mouse aorta are interconnected by gap junctions made of connexin40 (Cx40) and connexin37 (Cx37), allowing the exchange of signaling molecules to coordinate their activity. Wild-type (Cx40(+/+)) and ... More