Connexin Expression is not Altered in Omental Resistance Vessels from Women with Preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective. To compare connexin expression in omental resistance arteries from preeclamptic women and normal gravidas.

Methods. Small arteries (∼200–400 μm i.d.) were dissected from omental fat biopsies, taken at cesarean delivery from normotensive and preeclamptic women. Vessels were frozen and homogenized, then connexin-43 protein was detected by Western blot and quantitated by comparison with α-actin.

Results. Connexin-43 was detected in all specimens, primarily in its phosphorylated form. Abundance did not differ between vessels from preeclamptic and normotensive gravidas.

Conclusions. Phasic activity in omental resistance vessels from preeclamptic women likely depends on abnormal genesis of an oscillatory signal rather than on more extensive gap junctional communication between vascular cells.

Key Words:

• Connexin
• Gap junction
• Resistance artery
• Preeclampsia