Figure 2.

(A) In a normal pregnancy, Cx43 via GJCs y/o hemichannels controls the fusion of cytotrophoblast, to form syncytiotrophoblast. Cx40 controls the rate of cell division and differentiation of extravillous cytotrophoblast. Cx37 and Cx40 present in the endovascular cytotrophoblast could modulate smooth muscle relaxation via releasing vasoactive molecules such as NO. (B) in PE, the reduction in the expression and/or functionality (denoted by a black X) of the Cx43 GJC and hemichannels mediated by posttranslational modifications induced by ROS/RNS. Potentially, it could alter the formation and/or functionality of syncytiotrophoblast. Alterations of Cx40-based channels could reduce invasive cytotrophoblast cells, and finally, the reduction in expression/functionality of Cx37 and Cx40-based channels in the vasculature could increase smooth muscle basal contraction.