CONNEXIN43 AND GAP JUNCTION CONTENT IN THE PORCINE MYOMETRIUM DURING THE ESTROUS-CYCLE

The amount of the gap junction protein Connexin43 in myometrium from pig uteri at specific stages of the estrous cycle was studied using 2 different immunochemical methods. Western blot analysis showed the presence of Connexin43 protein in 43 and 47 kD bands at all stages of the cycle. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated only a few small junctional complexes in the myometrium during the luteal phase of the cycle. Gap junctions appeared to increase both in number and size during proestrus and estrus.