The ovarian gap junction protein connexin43: regulation by gonadotropins

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Sep;13(7):310-3. doi: 10.1016/s1043-2760(02)00623-9.

Abstract

The major role of the ovarian follicle is the timely production of a mature fertilizable oocyte. This mission is accomplished by a gonadotropin-regulated, gap junction-mediated alteration between established and interrupted cell-cell communication. Recent studies have revealed that gonadotropin action on ovarian gap junctions is elicited at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. Here, we review the existing information generated on the molecular mechanisms employed by the gonadotropins to elicit their effect on the ovarian gap junction protein Cx43.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Connexin 43 / genetics*
  • Connexin 43 / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gap Junctions / drug effects
  • Gap Junctions / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / physiology
  • Gonadotropins / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating / drug effects
  • Ovary / physiology
  • Ovary / ultrastructure*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Connexin 43
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Gonadotropins