Gap junction modulation by extracellular signaling molecules: the thymus model
Braz. j. med. biol. res
;
33(4): 457-65, Apr. 2000.
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-258181
RESUMO
Gap junctions are intercellular channels which connect adjacent cells and allow direct exchange of molecules of low molecular weight between them. Such a communication has been described as fundamental in many systems due to its importance in coordination, proliferation and differentiation. Recently, it has been shown that gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) can be modulated by several extracellular soluble factors such as classical hormones, neurotransmitters, interleukins, growth factors and some paracrine substances. Herein, we discuss some aspects of the general modulation of GJIC by extracellular messenger molecules and more particularly the regulation of such communication in the thymus gland. Additionally, we discuss recent data concerning the study of different neuropeptides and hormones in the modulation of GJIC in thymic epithelial cells. We also suggest that the thymus may be viewed as a model to study the modulation of gap junction communication by different extracellular messengers involved in non-classical circuits, since this organ is under bidirectional neuroimmunoendocrine control
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Thymus Gland
/
Cell Communication
/
Gap Junctions
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. j. med. biol. res
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Medicine
Year:
2000
Type:
Article
/
Congress and conference
Affiliation country:
Brazil
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