Gap junction modulation by extracellular signaling molecules: the thymus model
Braz. j. med. biol. res
;
33(4): 457-65, Apr. 2000.
Artigo
em Inglês
| 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
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
LILACS (Américas)
Assunto principal:
Timo
/
Comunicação Celular
/
Junções Comunicantes
Tipo de estudo:
Estudo prognóstico
Limite:
Animais
/
Humanos
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Braz. j. med. biol. res
Assunto da revista:
Biologia
/
Medicina
Ano de publicação:
2000
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
/
Congresso e conferência
País de afiliação:
Brasil
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