Tl. Cornwell et al., Reorganization of myofilament proteins and decreased cGMP-dependent protein kinase in the human uterus during pregnancy, J CLIN END, 86(8), 2001, pp. 3981-3988
Excessive or premature contractions of uterine smooth muscle may contribute
to preterm labor. Contractile stimuli induce myosin and actin filament int
eractions through calcium-dependent myosin phosphorylation. The mechanisms
that maintain myometrial quiescence until term are not well established, bu
t may include control of calcium levels by nitric oxide and cGMP signaling
and thin filament (caldesmon and calponin) regulation. Previously, we repor
ted that myometrial tissues from pregnant rats are not responsive to cGMP d
ue to decreases in cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Considering the well docu
mented differences in the endocrinology of parturition among species, this
study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the levels and subcellular
distribution of caldesmon, calponin, and cGMP-dependent protein kinase are
regulated with the hormonal milieu of human pregnancy. Whereas cGMP-depende
nt protein kinase was significantly reduced in the human uterus during preg
nancy, caldesmon expression was significantly increased, and both caldesmon
and calponin were redistributed to a readily extractable subcellular pool.
These data suggest that cGMP-dependent protein kinase does not mediate ges
tational quiescence. Redistribution of thin filament-associated proteins, h
owever, may alter uterine smooth muscle tone or the cytoskeletal framework
of myocytes to maintain gestation despite the substantial distention that a
ccompanies all intrauterine pregnancies.