Regulation of Paracellular Permeability in Low-Resistance Human Vaginal-Cervical Epithelia

Abstract

The paracellular (intercellular) route is the main transepithelial transport pathway in low-resistance secretory (and absorptive) epithelia, and is composed of the tight junctional resistance (RTJ) and the resistance of the lateral intercellular space (RLIS). Recent studies in human vaginal-cervical epithelia revealed novel mechanisms of regulation of the paracellular resistance (RPCR), including both the RTJ and the RLIS. Steroid hormones and particularly estrogens have been shown to regulate assembled tight junctions as well as the cortical acto-myosin ring, which determine epithelial cell deformability and the RLIS. The knowledge gained from these studies on the molecular mechanisms involved may improve the understanding of dysregulation of water and solutes, and related diseases. The data may be also used in future clinical trials to improve topical drug delivery via the vaginal route in women.