Abstract

SUAREZ, Jorge E.  and  BRAVO, Alicia I.. Conexins and the Cardiovascular System. Rev. argent. cardiol. [online]. 2006, vol.74, n.3, pp.149-156. ISSN 1850-3748.

Intercellular communication is an essential biologic event of multicellular organisms and is associated with cell growth and differentiation control, apoptosis, adaptive responses of differentiated cells and the synchronization of cellular functions. A kind of intercellular junctions known as gap junctions, actively participate in these processes and are structurally made of conexins. From a cardiovascular viewpoint, cell to cell communication, under normal conditions, is essential in cardiac embryogenesis, electrical impulse transmission, synchronization of cardiac contractile activity, transmission of vascular reflex signals and other biological functions. Under pathological conditions, either by inherited or acquired genetic mutation, intercellular communications participate in the development of congenital cardiopathies, arrhythmogenesis and electrical remodelling, atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia, arterial hypertension and myocardial remodelling. Genetic and molecular research will probably find the means to prevent and treat the different cardiopathies where intercellular communication plays a physiopathological role.

Keywords : Arrhythmia; Connexins; Molecular biology; Congenital defects; Endothelium; Genetics; Myocardium.