Comparative studies on the roles of calcium ions and gap Junctions in the regulation of secretory and contractile processes: Biochemical and pharmacologic approaches

This article presents a review of our own studies on the role of calcium ions and gap junctions in the regulation of prolactin and growth hormone secretion by rat adenohypophyseal cells in primary cultures.The article reviews also our own data on interactions of calcium ions with functional activity of gap junctions in the regulation of contractions of isolated rat uterus.The discussion is presented of literature evidence on the role of gap junctions in the regulation of insulin secretion by pancreatic islets and contractions of vascular smooth muscle tissues, as well as on the perspectives of studying the contribution of gap junctional intercellular communication in the framework of DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease).Finally the article considers briefly the elaboration and possible use of pharmacologic agents modulating functional activity of gap junctions in the treatment of several diseases.