Myometrial interstitial cells and the coordination of myometrial contractility. 2009

G Hutchings, and Olivia Williams, and D Cretoiu, and Sanda M Ciontea
Perinatal Research Group, 10 floor, St Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium. Graham.Hutchings@uclouvain.be

A strict regulation of contractility in the uterus and fallopian tube is essential for various reproductive functions. The uterus contributes, through either increased contractility or periods of relative quiescence, to: (i) expulsion of menstrual debris, (ii) sperm transport, (iii) adequate embryo placement during implantation, (iv) enlarging its capacity during pregnancy and (v) parturition. The dominant cell population of the uterine wall consists of smooth muscle cells that contain the contractile apparatus responsible for the generation of contractile force. Recent interest has focused on a new population of cells located throughout the myometrium on the borders of smooth muscle bundles. These cells are similar to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gut that are responsible for the generation of electrical slow waves that control peristalsis. A precise role for myometrial Cajal-like interstitial cells (m-ICLC) has not been identified. m-ICLC express the c-kit receptor, involved in creating and maintaining the ICC phenotype in the gastrointestinal tract. However, both acute and prolonged inhibition of this receptor with the c-kit antagonist imatinib mesylate does not appear to affect the spontaneous contractility of myometrium. Calcium imaging of live tissue slices suggests that contractile signalling starts on the borders of smooth muscle bundles where m-ICLC are located and recently the possible role of extracellular ATP signalling from m-ICLC has been studied. This manuscript reviews the evidence regarding tissue-level signalling in the myometrium with a particular emphasis on the anatomical and possible functional aspects of m-ICLC as new elements of the contractile mechanisms in the uterus.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008954 Models, Biological Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D009215 Myometrium The smooth muscle coat of the uterus, which forms the main mass of the organ. Uterine Muscle,Muscle, Uterine,Muscles, Uterine,Uterine Muscles
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000255 Adenosine Triphosphate An adenine nucleotide containing three phosphate groups esterified to the sugar moiety. In addition to its crucial roles in metabolism adenosine triphosphate is a neurotransmitter. ATP,Adenosine Triphosphate, Calcium Salt,Adenosine Triphosphate, Chromium Salt,Adenosine Triphosphate, Magnesium Salt,Adenosine Triphosphate, Manganese Salt,Adenylpyrophosphate,CaATP,CrATP,Manganese Adenosine Triphosphate,MgATP,MnATP,ATP-MgCl2,Adenosine Triphosphate, Chromium Ammonium Salt,Adenosine Triphosphate, Magnesium Chloride,Atriphos,Chromium Adenosine Triphosphate,Cr(H2O)4 ATP,Magnesium Adenosine Triphosphate,Striadyne,ATP MgCl2
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D014590 Uterine Contraction Contraction of the UTERINE MUSCLE. Myometrial Contraction,Contraction, Myometrial,Contraction, Uterine,Contractions, Myometrial,Contractions, Uterine,Myometrial Contractions,Uterine Contractions
D056885 Interstitial Cells of Cajal c-Kit positive cells related to SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS that are intercalated between the autonomic nerves and the effector smooth muscle cells of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT. Different phenotypic classes play roles as pacemakers, mediators of neural inputs, and mechanosensors. Cajal Interstitial Cells
D019009 Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit A protein-tyrosine kinase receptor that is specific for STEM CELL FACTOR. This interaction is crucial for the development of hematopoietic, gonadal, and pigment stem cells. Genetic mutations that disrupt the expression of PROTO-ONCOGENE PROTEINS C-KIT are associated with PIEBALDISM, while overexpression or constitutive activation of the c-kit protein-tyrosine kinase is associated with tumorigenesis. Antigens, CD117,CD117 Antigens,Receptor, Stem Cell Factor,Stem Cell Factor Receptor,c-kit Protein,c-kit Receptor,kit Proto-Oncogene Protein,p145(c-kit),CD117 Antigen,Proto-Oncogene Protein c-kit,Proto-Oncogene Protein kit,SCF Receptor,p145 c-kit,p145c-kit,Proto Oncogene Protein c kit,Proto Oncogene Protein kit,Proto Oncogene Proteins c kit,Proto-Oncogene Protein, kit,c kit Protein,c kit Receptor,c-kit, Proto-Oncogene Protein,c-kit, Proto-Oncogene Proteins,c-kit, p145,kit Proto Oncogene Protein,p145 c kit,p145c kit

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