Computational modeling reveals key contributions of KCNQ and hERG currents to the malleability of uterine action potentials underpinning labor.

ABSTRACT: The electrical excitability of uterine smooth muscle cells is a key determinant of the contraction of the organ during labor and is manifested by spontaneous, periodic action potentials (APs). Near the end of term, APs vary in shape and size reflecting an ability to change the frequency, duration and amplitude of uterine contractions. A recent mathematical model quantified several ionic features of the electrical excitability in uterine smooth muscle cells. It replicated many of the experimentally recorded uterine AP configurations but its limitations were evident when trying to simulate the long-duration bursting APs characteristic of labor. A computational parameter search suggested that delayed rectifying K(+) currents could be a key model component requiring improvement to produce the

SUBMITTER: Tong WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4256391 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature