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Heterocellular Contact at the Myoendothelial Junction Influences Gap Junction Organization

From the Cardiovascular Research Center (B.E.I., B.R.D.) and Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics (B.R.D.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville.

Correspondence to Brian R. Duling, 409 Lane Rd, MR-4 Bldg, Rm 6051, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908. E-mail brd{at}virginia.edu

Heterocellular communication between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) at the myoendothelial junction (MEJ) is a critical part of control of the arteriolar wall. We have developed an in vitro model of the MEJ composed of primary cultures of murine EC and VSMC. Immunoctytochemistry and immunoblots demonstrated Cx37 and Cx43 in both cell types, whereas Cx40 was found only in EC. Cx37 was excluded from the MEJ in both EC and VSMC. Connexin composition as well as functionality of the gap junctions at the MEJ was assessed by measuring diffusional transfer of biocytin and Cy3. Using connexin-specific blockers and manipulations of expression of individual connexin proteins, we confirmed that Cx37 is not a part of EC–VSMC coupling, and we demonstrated that heterotypic gap junctions are functional at the MEJ. We speculate that specific gap junction organization may be a vital component of EC–VSMC contact at the MEJ.

Key Words: gap junctions • connexin • myoendothelial junctions • endothelial cells • smooth muscle cells

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