Abstract
Myometrial tissues from 29 women who underwent cesarean section in various stages of labor were examined quantitatively in the electron microscope. Gap junctions were present between smooth muscle cells with low frequency in women with a closed cervix and infrequent contractions of the uterus. There was a statistically significant correlation between increased cervical dilation or increased frequency of uterine contractions and increased area of gap junctions. Tissues from women in premature labor had more gap junctions than tissues from other women who underwent cesarean section either prematurely or at term. We propose that the formation of gap junctions may be stimulated by some physiologic change. The appearance of gap junctions may then terminate pregnancy by resulting in coordinated, synchronized muscle activity and dilatation of the cervix followed by expulsion of the fetus.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
