Role of connexins and pannexins in cardiovascular physiology

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2015 Aug;72(15):2779-92. doi: 10.1007/s00018-015-1959-2. Epub 2015 Jun 20.

Abstract

Connexins and pannexins form connexons, pannexons and membrane channels, which are critically involved in many aspects of cardiovascular physiology. For that reason, a vast number of studies have addressed the role of connexins and pannexins in the arterial and venous systems as well as in the heart. Moreover, a role for connexins in lymphatics has recently also been suggested. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the involvement of connexins and pannexins in cardiovascular physiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism*
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism
  • Gap Junctions / physiology
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / metabolism

Substances

  • Connexins
  • Ion Channels