Cultured myometrial cells establish communicating gap junctions.
Myometrial cells were isolated and cultured from term rat uterus. The myometrial origin of the cultures was verified by antibody staining of cellular desmin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. The presence of functional gap junctions was indicated by transfer of radiolabeled nucleotide and microinjected Lucifer yellow dye. The cultured cells expressed mRNA recognized by a connexin43 gap junction cDNA probe. To our knowledge, this is the first report that isolated myometrial cells form gap junctions in culture.
Caruso
R L
RL
Department of Environmental and Industrial Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor 48109-2029.
Juberg
D R
DR
Caldwell
V
V
Corcos
I A
IA
D000199:Actins / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017630:Connexins; D015342:DNA Probes; D003893:Desmin / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D009215:Myometrium / Q000166:cytology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000199:Actins; D015415:Biomarkers; D017630:Connexins; D015342:DNA Probes; D003893:Desmin; D007546:Isoquinolines; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C017475:lucifer yellow