1 Gap Junction Structure. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Classification of Gap Junctions. - 3. Morphological Characterization of Type I Gap Junctions. - 4. Morphological Characterization of Type II Gap Junctions. - 5. Morphological Characterization of Type III Gap Junctions. - 6. Conclusions. - 7. References. - 2 Modulation of Junctional Permeability. - 1. Introduction: Physiological Considerations. - 2. Are Gap Junctions Really Involved in Cell-to-Cell Communication?. - 3. Junctional Permeability. - 4. Synaptic Transmission and Cell-to-Cell Coupling. - 5. Voltage Dependence. - 6. Antibodies. - 7. Influence of Temperature on gj. - 8. Pathological Implications of Junctional Conductance. - 9. Conclusions. - 10. References. - 3 Permeability and Regulation of Gap Junction Channels in Cells and in Artificial Lipid Bilayers. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Evidence for Cell-to-Cell Channels at Gap Junctions. - 3. Cell-to-Cell Channel Gating and Permeability Modulation. - 4. References. - 4 Electrotonic Coupling in the Nervous System. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Electrotonic Inhibition. - 3. Modulation of Electrotonic Coupling. - 4. Experimental Determination of Electrotonic Coupling. - 5. Conclusion. - 6. References. - 5 Gap Junctions in Smooth Muscle. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Cell-to-Cell Junctions in Smooth Muscle. - 3. Do All Smooth Muscle Cells Have Gap Junctions?. - 4. Regulation of Gap Junctions in Smooth Muscle. - 5. Conclusions. - 6. References. - 6 Cell Communication and Growth. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Basic Principles. - 3. Possible Effects of Gap Junctions on Different Phases of the Cycle. - 4. Evidence for Gap Junction Involvement in Control of Proliferation. - 5. Conclusions and Future Considerations. - 6. References. - 7 Intercellular Communication in Embryos. - 1. Introduction. - 2. The Oocyte. - 3. Early Cleavage Stages. - 4. Early Events in Development. - 5. Compartments Gradients and Gap Junctions. - 6. Restriction of Communication Later in Development. - 7. Using Antibodies to Explore the Role of Junctions in Development. - 8. Conclusions. - 9. References. - 8 Mechanisms of Cell-to-Cell Communication Not Involving Gap Junctions. - 1. Chemical Communication between Cells. - 2. On the Release of Neurotransmitters. - 3. Cell-to-Cell Communication through the Extracellular Space. - 4. References. - 9 Cell-to-Cell Communication in Salivary Glands. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Anatomy. - 3. Electrical Evidence. - 4. Diffusional Evidence. - 5. Pharmacology. - 6. Physiological Role of Intercellular Coupling. - 7. Conclusions. - 8. References. - 10 Intercellular Communication in Arthropods: Biophysical Ultrastructural and Biochemical Approaches. - 1. Introduction. - 2. Detection and Analysis of Low-Resistance Pathways. - 3. Junctional Permeability to Molecular Tracers. - 4. Ultrastructure of Arthropod Gap Junctions. - 5. Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Gap Junctions. - 6. Summary and Prospectives. - 7. References. Language: English