Connexin 43 expression in normal versus dysfunctional labor.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether connexin 43 (Cx43), the major myometrial gap junction protein, is differentially expressed in normal versus dysfunctional labor.

STUDY

DESIGN

Myometrial biopsies were obtained from 28 patients undergoing cesarean section and grouped into the following categories: (1) no labor, (2) dysfunctional labor, and (3) normal labor. Northern and Western analyses were performed to determine Cx43 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, respectively. Localization of Cx43 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Labor was associated with increased Cx43 mRNA expression (P <.05). This association was not true for protein. There was no difference in mRNA or protein expression between patients with normal labor versus those with dysfunctional labor. The extent of Cx43 immunohistochemical staining was not significantly different among the groups (P >.05).

CONCLUSION

Dysfunctional labor is not associated with aberrant Cx43 mRNA or protein expression or with a reduction in immunodetectable Cx43 gap junctions.