Ano1 regulates embryo transport by modulating intracellular calcium levels in oviduct smooth muscle.

Oviductal smooth muscle exhibits spontaneous rhythmic contraction (SRC) and controls the passage of the ova at the exact time, but its mechanistic regulation remains to be determined. In this study, female mice with Ano1SMKO (smooth muscle-specific deletion of Ano1) had reduced fertility. Deficiency of Ano1 in mice resulted in impaired oviductal SRC function and reduced calcium signaling in individual smooth muscle cells in the oviduct. The Ano1 antagonist T16Ainh-A01 dose-dependently inhibited SRCs and [Ca2+]i in the oviducts of humans and mice. A similar inhibitory effect of SRCs and [Ca2+]i was observed after treatment with nifedipine. In our study, ANO1 acted primarily as an activator or amplifier in [Ca2+]i and contraction of tubal smooth muscle cells. We found that tubal SRC was markedly attenuated in patients with ectopic pregnancy. Then, our study was designed to determine whether chloride channel Ano1-mediated smooth muscle motility is associated with tubal SRC. Our findings reveal a new mechanism for the regulation of tubal motility that may be associated with abnormal pregnancies such as ectopic pregnancies.

[Anatomical structure and physiological characteristics of Robinia pseudoacacia of different stand ages]. / 不同林龄刺槐解剖结构及生理特性.

Drought intensity and frequency have been increased as a result of global warming. Exploring the drought resistance mechanism of Robinia pseudoacacia plantations of different stand ages on the Loess Plateau is crucial for understanding the stability of forest productivity in the region. We investigated anatomical traits, hydraulic function, and non-structural carbohydrate content of the xylem, as well as their association, in R. pseudoacacia plantations of different stand ages in a semi-arid region. The results showed that the vessel diameter, total pit membrane area, pit membrane area, vesture area, and vestured overlap of young and middle-aged stands were larger than those of mature stands, and the pit density was significantly lower in mature stands. Hydraulic conductivity was significantly related to vessel diameter, pit membrane area, and vesture area. Hydraulic conductivities of branches in young, middle-aged, and mature stands were 2.30, 2.12, and 0.76 kg·m-1·s-1·MPa-1, respectively, with embolism values of 54.5%, 53.8%, and 45.1%. Hydraulic conductivity was significantly related to soluble sugar and starch contents. The soluble sugar contents of branches in young, middle-aged and mature stands were 4.9%, 4.2%, and 3.8%, respectively. Xylem growth capacity of R. pseudoacacia in mature stand declined, resulting in the formation of small vessels with many small pits, which reduced hydraulic conductivity while maintaining hydraulic safety, resulting in a decrease of non-structural carbohydrates content. This study revealed the drought response mechanism of R. pseudoacacia plantations with different ages, providing a scientific foundation for the management and nurturing of R. pseudoacacia plantations on the Loess Plateau.