Abstract
Several organs in the body comprise cells coupled into networks. These cells have in common that they are excitable but do not express action potentials. Furthermore, they are equipped with Ca2+ signaling systems, which can be intercellular and/or extracellular. The transport of small molecules between the cells occurs through gap junctions comprising connexin 43. Examples of cells coupled into networks include astrocytes, keratinocytes, chondrocytes, synovial fibroblasts, osteoblasts, connective tissue cells, cardiac and corneal fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, hepatocytes, and different types of glandular cells. These cells are targets for inflammation, which can be initiated after injury or in disease. If the inflammation reaches the CNS, it develops into neuroinflammation and can be of importance in the development of systemic chronic inflammation, which can manifest as pain and result in changes in the expression and structure of cellular components. Biochemical parameters of importance for cellular functions are described in this review.
Highlights
Inflammation and neuroinflammation In conditions that lead to inflammation, changes in several cellular parameters of coupled cell networks occur throughout many organs in the body
The cells are joined by gap junctions that express Connexin 43 (Cx43) [63], enabling Ca2+ signaling that causes the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum in response to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) [64] (Lundqvist et al, unpublished), or bradykinin [65]
Coupled cell networks throughout the body are coupled by gap junctions expressing Cx43 and Ca2+ signaling systems
Summary
Inflammation and neuroinflammation In conditions that lead to inflammation, changes in several cellular parameters of coupled cell networks occur throughout many organs in the body. Chondrocytes exist as individual cells embedded in the extracellular matrix, and gap junctions are mainly expressed by the flattened chondrocytes facing the outer cartilage layer where intercellular communication occurs [52]. These waves occur either via gap junction-mediated intercellular Ca2+ signaling or as a result of the autocrine activity of released ATP, which stimulates P2 purinoceptors.
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