Ultrastructure of The Myometrium and The role of Gap Junctions in Myometrial Function
2020; Informa; Linguagem: Inglês
10.1201/9780429282669-6
AutoresArie Verhoeff, Robert E. Garfield,
Tópico(s)Endometriosis Research and Treatment
ResumoThis chapter describes the structure of the uterus with emphasis on the ultrastructure of the myometrium. Components of the uterine wall are discussed, including the arrangement of the muscle layers. Ultrastructural features of the smooth muscle cell is presented. The presence of gap junctions between myometrial cells may be the basis for conversion of uterine activity from inactive to active at the end of pregnancy. To evaluate the relationship between electrical coupling in the myometrium and the development of increased gap junctional area two independent methods have recently been used. Cable properties of the myometrium were determined in myometrial tissues before and during labor and delivery. Some prostaglandins directly stimulate the myometrium to contract and indirectly affect the myometrium by altering steroid synthesis. Administration of these prostaglandins to humans and animals usually initiates termination of pregnancy after a period of time.
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