Expression of connexin-43 in human myometrium and leiomyoma.
OBJECTIVE
The expression of connexin-43 was examined in human leiomyomas and in autologous myometrium.


METHODS
Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect connexin-43 gap junctions in myometrial and leiomyoma tissues and in primary cultures. Immunoblot and Northern analyses were used to examine the levels of connexin-43 protein and cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid in primary cultures.


RESULTS
Connexin-43 gap junctions were detected in leiomyoma tissue from nonpregnant premenopausal women but not in autologous myometrial tissue. Connexin-43 gap junctions form spontaneously in primary cultures of myometrium and leiomyoma in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol. Fluorescent dye injection confirmed that the gap junctions were coupled in the primary cells. Connexin-43 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid levels generally were higher in leiomyoma cells compared with those of autologous myometrial cells. Steady-state levels of cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid decreased with addition of medroxyprogesterone acetate to the cultures.


CONCLUSIONS
Differences in the levels of cx43 expression in leiomyoma and myometrial cells may reflect differences in responses to steroid hormones.
Andersen
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook 11794-8091.
Grine
E
E
Eng
C L
CL
Zhao
K
K
Barbieri
R L
RL
Chumas
J C
JC
Brink
P R
PR
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D009215:Myometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D018031:Connexin 43; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004958:Estradiol; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate