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Carvajal JA, Oporto JI. The Myometrium in Pregnant Women with Obesity. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:193-200. [PMID: 32484103 DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200525133530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a worldwide public health problem, affecting at least one-third of pregnant women. One of the main problems of obesity during pregnancy is the resulting high rate of cesarean section. The leading cause of this higher frequency of cesarean sections in obese women, compared with that in nonobese women, is an altered myometrial function that leads to lower frequency and potency of contractions. In this article, the disruptions of myometrial myocytes were reviewed in obese women during pregnancy that may explain the dysfunctional labor. The myometrium of obese women exhibited lower expression of connexin43, a lower function of the oxytocin receptor, and higher activity of the potassium channels. Adipokines, such as leptin, visfatin, and apelin, whose concentrations are higher in obese women, decreased myometrial contractility, perhaps by inhibiting the myometrial RhoA/ROCK pathway. The characteristically higher cholesterol levels of obese women alter myometrial myocyte cell membranes, especially the caveolae, inhibiting oxytocin receptor function, and increasing the K+ channel activity. All these changes in the myometrial cells or their environment decrease myometrial contractility, at least partially explaining the higher rate of cesarean of sections in obese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Carvajal
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Unidad de Medicina Materno Fetal, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Joaquín I Oporto
- Estudiante de Medicina, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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2
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Wray S, Arrowsmith S. Uterine Excitability and Ion Channels and Their Changes with Gestation and Hormonal Environment. Annu Rev Physiol 2020; 83:331-357. [PMID: 33158376 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-032420-035509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We address advances in the understanding of myometrial physiology, focusing on excitation and the effects of gestation on ion channels and their relevance to labor. This review moves through pioneering studies to exciting new findings. We begin with the myometrium and its myocytes and describe how excitation might initiate and spread in this myogenic smooth muscle. We then review each of the ion channels in the myometrium: L- and T-type Ca2+ channels, KATP (Kir6) channels, voltage-dependent K channels (Kv4, Kv7, and Kv11), twin-pore domain K channels (TASK, TREK), inward rectifier Kir7.1, Ca2+-activated K+ channels with large (KCNMA1, Slo1), small (KCNN1-3), and intermediate (KCNN4) conductance, Na-activated K channels (Slo2), voltage-gated (SCN) Na+ and Na+ leak channels, nonselective (NALCN) channels, the Na K-ATPase, and hyperpolarization-activated cation channels. We finish by assessing how three key hormones- oxytocin, estrogen, and progesterone-modulate and integrate excitability throughout gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Wray
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom;
| | - Sarah Arrowsmith
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom;
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3
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Role of potassium channels in female reproductive system. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2020; 63:565-576. [PMID: 32838485 PMCID: PMC7494774 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.20064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are widely expressed in most types of cells in living organisms and regulate the functions of a variety of organs, including kidneys, neurons, cardiovascular organs, and pancreas among others. However, the functional roles of potassium channels in the reproductive system is less understood. This mini-review provides information about the localization and functions of potassium channels in the female reproductive system. Five types of potassium channels, which include inward-rectifying (Kir), voltage-gated (Kv), calcium-activated (KCa), 2-pore domain (K2P), and rapidly-gating sodium-activated (Slo) potassium channels are expressed in the hypothalamus, ovaries, and uterus. Their functions include the regulation of hormone release and feedback by Kir6.1 and Kir6.2, which are expressed in the luteal granulosa cells and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons respectively, and regulate the functioning of the hypothalamus–pituitary–ovarian axis and the production of progesterone. Both channels are regulated by subtypes of the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), Kir6.1/SUR2B and Kir6.2/SUR1. Kv and Slo2.1 affect the transition from uterine quiescence in late pregnancy to the state of strong myometrial contractions in labor. Intermediate- and small-conductance KCa modulate the vasodilatation of the placental chorionic plate resistance arteries via the secretion of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors. Treatment with specific channel activators and inhibitors provides information relevant for clinical use that could help alter the functions of the female reproductive system.
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4
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Trying to keep calm in troubled times: The role of K channels in uterine physiology. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lai PF, Georgiou EX, Tribe RM, Johnson MR. The impact of progesterone and RU-486 on classic pro-labour proteins & contractility in human myometrial tissues during 24-hour exposure to tension & interleukin-1β. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 500:110633. [PMID: 31678609 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Increased expression of pro-labour genes that encode cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), oxytocin receptor (OTR) and connexin-43 (Cx43) at parturition is often attributed to P4 functional withdrawal, based on findings from animal models and human primary myometrial cells. However, the cause of reduced myometrial P4 responsiveness that promotes contractions at labour is not fully determined. Uterine stretch occurs with advancing gestation but most in vitro experimental models do not take this into consideration. We aimed to examine whether tissue-level myometrial stretch influences the ability of P4 to regulate pro-labour protein abundance by using myometrial biopsies from term gestation pregnant women to assess the impact of 24 h exposure to combinations of (i) stretch-mediated tension, (ii) P4 (100 nM) and (iii) an anti-progestin, RU-486 (1 μM). Firstly, we observed baseline COX-2 and Cx43 protein levels increased, whereas P4 content along with calponin-1 and progesterone receptor (PR) protein abundance decreased, in vehicle-treated tissues. P4 supplementation subtly reduced COX-2 levels in un-stretched tissues. Spontaneous and oxytocin-augmented contractility were unchanged by tissue culture exposure to P4 and/or RU-486. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β; 1 ng/ml) enhanced COX-2 protein and PGE2 content in un-stretched tissues. Overall, tissue stretch may, in part, regulate P4-sensitive pro-labour protein levels, but this is likely to be reliant on interaction with other in utero factors that were absent in our tissue cultures. More complex culture conditions should be evaluated in future to aid further development of a physiologically relevant model to improve our understanding of in utero myometrial P4 responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei F Lai
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Ektoras X Georgiou
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Rachel M Tribe
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Mark R Johnson
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, SW10 9NH, UK.
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6
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Fatima SS, Rehman R, Martins RS, Alam F, Ashraf M. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in Renalase and KCNQ1 genes and female infertility: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13434. [PMID: 31579970 DOI: 10.1111/and.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A global increase in the incidence of subfertility is observed, and research suggests strong genetic influences that might restrict fertility directly or indirectly. It therefore becomes important to rule out the existence of genetic causes and counsel infertile couples before offering "Advanced Infertility Treatment Techniques." This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association of KCNQ1 (rs2237895) and Renalase (rs2576178 and rs10887800) single nucleotide polymorphisms with different causes of infertility by analysing 508 fertile and 164 infertile women. Gene variant (AC/CC) of KCNQ1 rs2237895 showed a slight difference in the endometriosis group compared to the fertile group (p = .049), with the C allele showing a significant association with infertility overall (OR = 1.42 [1.100-1.833]; p < .0069). The variant AG/GG of Renalase rs2576178 was significantly associated with overall infertility (OR = 2.266; p < .001), with a strong G allele association with unexplained infertility OR = 2.796 (p = .002) that remained significant after adjusting for age and body mass index. Similarly, Renalase rs10887800 AG/GG and G allele showed significant association with both infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome and unexplained infertility. Expression of single nucleotide polymorphism rs2237895 and rs2576178 in both KCNQ1 and Renalase genes might be responsible for altering reproductive potential, hence leading to infertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Sadia Fatima
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Faiza Alam
- Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mussarat Ashraf
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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The Myometrium: From Excitation to Contractions and Labour. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1124:233-263. [PMID: 31183830 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-5895-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
We start by describing the functions of the uterus, its structure, both gross and fine, innervation and blood supply. It is interesting to note the diversity of the female's reproductive tract between species and to remember it when working with different animal models. Myocytes are the overwhelming cell type of the uterus (>95%) and our focus. Their function is to contract, and they have an intrinsic pacemaker and rhythmicity, which is modified by hormones, stretch, paracrine factors and the extracellular environment. We discuss evidence or not for pacemaker cells in the uterus. We also describe the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in some detail, as it is relevant to calcium signalling and excitability. Ion channels, including store-operated ones, their contributions to excitability and action potentials, are covered. The main pathway to excitation is from depolarisation opening voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Much of what happens downstream of excitability is common to other smooth muscles, with force depending upon the balance of myosin light kinase and phosphatase. Mechanisms of maintaining Ca2+ balance within the myocytes are discussed. Metabolism, and how it is intertwined with activity, blood flow and pH, is covered. Growth of the myometrium and changes in contractile proteins with pregnancy and parturition are also detailed. We finish with a description of uterine activity and why it is important, covering progression to labour as well as preterm and dysfunctional labours. We conclude by highlighting progress made and where further efforts are required.
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de Jong IEM, Jepps TA. Impaired Kv7 channel function in cerebral arteries of a tauopathy mouse model (rTg4510). Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13920. [PMID: 30548427 PMCID: PMC6289909 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease with or without concomitant amyloid β plaques, cerebral arteries display pathological remodeling, leading to reduced brain tissue oxygenation and cognitive impairment. The precise mechanisms that underlie this vascular dysfunction remain unclear. Kv7 voltage-dependent K+ channels contribute to the development of myogenic tone in rat cerebral arteries. Thus, we hypothesized that Kv7 channel function would be impaired in the cerebral arteries of a tauopathy mouse model (rTg4510), which might underlie cerebral hypoperfusion associated with the development of neurofibrillary tangles in tauopathies. To test our hypothesis we performed wire myography and quantitative PCR on cerebral arteries, mesenteric arteries and the inferior frontotemporal region of the brain surrounding the middle cerebral artery from tau transgenic mice (rTg4510) and aged-matched controls. We also performed whole-cell patch clamp experiments on HEK293 cells stably expressing Kv7.4. Here, we show that Kv7 channels are functionally impaired in the cerebral arteries of rTg4510 mice, but not in mesenteric arteries from the same mice. The quantitative PCR analysis of the cerebral arteries found no change in the expression of the genes encoding the Kv7 channel α-subunits, however, we found reduced expression of the ancillary subunit, KCNE5 (also termed KCNE1L), in the cerebral arteries of rTg4510 mice. In the brain, rTg4510 mice showed reduced expression of Kv7.3, Kv7.5, and Kv2.1. Co-expression of KCNE5 with Kv7.4 in HEK293 cells produced larger currents at voltages >0 mV and increased the deactivation time for the Kv7.4 channel. Thus, our results demonstrate that Kv7 channel function is attenuated in the cerebral arteries of Tg4510 mice, which may result from decreased KCNE5 expression. Reduced Kv7 channel function might contribute to cerebral hypoperfusion in tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas A. Jepps
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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Kahane A, Park AL, Ray JG. Dysfunctional Uterine Activity in Labour and Premature Adverse Cardiac Events: Population-Based Cohort Study. Can J Cardiol 2018; 34:45-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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10
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Sakamoto K, Suzuki Y, Yamamura H, Ohya S, Muraki K, Imaizumi Y. Molecular mechanisms underlying pimaric acid-induced modulation of voltage-gated K + channels. J Pharmacol Sci 2017; 133:223-231. [PMID: 28391996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels, which control firing and shape of action potentials in excitable cells, are supposed to be potential therapeutic targets in many types of diseases. Pimaric acid (PiMA) is a unique opener of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel. Here, we report that PiMA modulates recombinant rodent KV channel activity. The enhancement was significant at low potentials (<0 mV) but not at more positive potentials. Application of PiMA significantly shifted the voltage-activation relationships (V1/2) of rodent KV1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6 and 2.1 channels (KV1.1-KV2.1) but KV4.3 to lower potentials and prolonged their half-decay times of the deactivation (T1/2D). The amino acid sequence which is responsible for the difference in response to PiMA was examined between KV1.1-KV2.1 and KV4.3 by site-directed mutagenesis of residues in S5 and S6 segments of Kv1.1. The point mutation of Phe332 into Tyr mimics the effects of PiMA on V1/2 and T1/2D and also abolished the further change by addition of PiMA. The results indicate that PiMA enhances voltage sensitivity of KV1.1-KV2.1 channels and suggest that the lipophilic residues including Phe332 in S5 of KV1.1-KV2.1 channels may be critical for the effects of PiMA, providing beneficial information for drug development of KV channel openers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuho Sakamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Suzuki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Hisao Yamamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Susumu Ohya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan; Department of Pharmacology, Division of Pathological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Muraki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan; Laboratory Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya 464-8650, Japan
| | - Yuji Imaizumi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan.
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Alotaibi M, Kahlat K, Nedjadi T, Djouhri L. Effects of ZD7288, a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel blocker, on term-pregnant rat uterine contractility in vitro. Theriogenology 2017; 90:141-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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12
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Haick JM, Byron KL. Novel treatment strategies for smooth muscle disorders: Targeting Kv7 potassium channels. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 165:14-25. [PMID: 27179745 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells provide crucial contractile functions in visceral, vascular, and lung tissues. The contractile state of smooth muscle is largely determined by their electrical excitability, which is in turn influenced by the activity of potassium channels. The activity of potassium channels sustains smooth muscle cell membrane hyperpolarization, reducing cellular excitability and thereby promoting smooth muscle relaxation. Research over the past decade has indicated an important role for Kv7 (KCNQ) voltage-gated potassium channels in the regulation of the excitability of smooth muscle cells. Expression of multiple Kv7 channel subtypes has been demonstrated in smooth muscle cells from viscera (gastrointestinal, bladder, myometrial), from the systemic and pulmonary vasculature, and from the airways of the lung, from multiple species, including humans. A number of clinically used drugs, some of which were developed to target Kv7 channels in other tissues, have been found to exert robust effects on smooth muscle Kv7 channels. Functional studies have indicated that Kv7 channel activators and inhibitors have the ability to relax and contact smooth muscle preparations, respectively, suggesting a wide range of novel applications for the pharmacological tool set. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the physiological functions of Kv7 channels in smooth muscle, and highlights potential therapeutic applications based on pharmacological targeting of smooth muscle Kv7 channels throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Haick
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth L Byron
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
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Roatesi I, Radu BM, Cretoiu D, Cretoiu SM. Uterine Telocytes: A Review of Current Knowledge. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:10. [PMID: 25695721 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.125906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a novel cell type, are briefly defined as interstitial cells with telopodes (Tps). However, a specific immunocytochemical marker has not yet been found; therefore, electron microscopy is currently the only accurate method for identifying TCs. TCs are considered to have a mesenchymal origin. Recently proteomic analysis, microarray-based gene expression analysis, and the micro-RNA signature clearly showed that TCs are different from fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and endothelial cells. The dynamics of Tps were also revealed, and some electrophysiological properties of TCs were described (such as membrane capacitance, input resistance, membrane resting potential, and absence of action potentials correlated with different ionic currents characteristics), which can be used to distinguish uterine TCs from smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Here, we briefly present the most recent findings on the characteristics of TCs and their functions in human pregnant and nonpregnant uteri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iurie Roatesi
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Wray S, Burdyga T, Noble D, Noble K, Borysova L, Arrowsmith S. Progress in understanding electro-mechanical signalling in the myometrium. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2015; 213:417-31. [PMID: 25439280 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we give a state-of-the-art account of uterine contractility, focussing on excitation-contraction (electro-mechanical) coupling (ECC). This will show how electrophysiological data and intracellular calcium measurements can be related to more modern techniques such as confocal microscopy and molecular biology, to advance our understanding of mechanical output and its modulation in the smooth muscle of the uterus, the myometrium. This new knowledge and understanding, for example concerning the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), or stretch-activated K channels, when linked to biochemical and molecular pathways, provides a clearer and better informed basis for the development of new drugs and targets. These are urgently needed to combat dysfunctions in excitation-contraction coupling that are clinically challenging, such as preterm labour, slow to progress labours and post-partum haemorrhage. It remains the case that scientific progress still needs to be made in areas such as pacemaking and understanding interactions between the uterine environment and ion channel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Wray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Women's Hospital; Liverpool UK
| | - T. Burdyga
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Women's Hospital; Liverpool UK
| | - D. Noble
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Women's Hospital; Liverpool UK
| | - K. Noble
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Women's Hospital; Liverpool UK
| | - L. Borysova
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Women's Hospital; Liverpool UK
| | - S. Arrowsmith
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Women's Hospital; Liverpool UK
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Kupittayanant S, Munglue P, Lijuan W, Promprom W, Budhaklala N, Wray S. Finding new agents in medicinal plants to act on the myometrium. Exp Physiol 2014; 99:530-7. [DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2013.072884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sajeera Kupittayanant
- Institute of Science; Suranaree University of Technology; Muang District Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand
| | - Phukphon Munglue
- Faculty of Science; Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University; Muang District Ubon Ratchathani Thailand
| | - Wanwisa Lijuan
- Faculty of Science and Technology; Thepsatri Rajabhat University; Muang Lop Buri Lobburi Thailand
| | - Wilawan Promprom
- Faculty of Science; Mahasarakham University; Kantrawichai Mahasarakham Thailand
| | - Nopparat Budhaklala
- Faculty of Science; Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi; Thanyaburi Pathum Thani Thailand
| | - Susan Wray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
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