Publication Date
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Nancy J. Bigley, Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Dawn P. Wooley, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Marjorie M. Markopoulos, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes and macrophages have been found to interact via connexin-43 hemichannels. The role of connexin-43, however, is not fully understood. This study shows that these interactions aid in increasing the membrane potential of cardiomyocytes allowing contraction of the cells. HL-1 cardiomyocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages in coculture increased expression of connexin-43 compared to cardiomyocytes alone. Co-cultures also increased the fluorescence of Di-8-ANEPPS potentiometric dye indicating an increase in cardiomyocyte membrane potential. Treatment with IL-10 and TGF-beta further increased connexin-43 expression and membrane potential. Treatment with SOCS3 inhibited the effects of TGF-beta and IL-10 while having no effect on its own. Confocal imaging can provide visual evidence of these interactions with image layering, 3D imaging and enhanced color.
Page Count
56
Department or Program
Microbiology and Immunology
Year Degree Awarded
2021
Copyright
Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
ORCID ID
0000-0002-9415-315X
