Expression of Connexin43 in Rat Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts

To explore the role of connexin43 (Cx43) in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and propagated sensation along meridians, the expression of Cx43 in the rat epithelial cellsand fibroblasts was studied both in vitro and in vivo. With the in vitro study, the rat epithelial cells and fibroblasts were cultured together, and the localization of Cx43 was detected by immunohistochemistry and indirect immunofluorescent cytochemistry and under confocal microscopy . And the expression of Cx43 on the surface of the cells was examined by flow cytometry. With the in vivo examination, 20 SD rats were randomized into control group (n=10) and electrical acupuncture group (EAgroup, n=10). EA ( 0.5-1.5 V, 4-16 Hz , 30 min) was applied to “Zusanli”acupoint for 30 min at rat‘s hind paw, the localization of Cx43 was immunohistochemically detected. The immunohistochemical staining and indirect immunfluoresce.nt cytochemistry showed that Cx43 was localized on the surface of the cells and in the cytoplasm. The relative expression level of Cx43 on the cellular membrane surfaces of the rat epithelial cells and fibroblasts, as determined by FACS, were 13.91 % and 29.53 % respectively. Our studied suggested that Cx43 might be involved in GJIC and propagated sensation along meridians.

Expression of connexin43 in rat epithelial cells and fibroblasts

Summary To explore the role of connexin43 (Cx43) in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and propagated sensation along meridians, the expression of Cx43 in the rat epithelial cells and fibroblasts was studied bothin vitro andin vivo. With thein vitro study, the rat epithelial cells and fibroblasts were cultured together, and the localization of Cx43 was detected by immunohistochemistry and indirect immunofluorescent cytochemistry and under confocal microscopy. And the expression of Cx43 on the surface of the cells was examined by flow cytometry. With thein vivo examination, 20 SD rats were randomized into control group (n=10) and electrical acupuncture group (EA group,n=10). EA (0.5–1.5 V, 4–16 Hz, 30 min) was applied to “Zusanli” acupoint for 30 min at rat’s hind paw, the localization of Cx43 was immunohistochemically detected. The immunohistochemical staining and indirect immunfluorescent cytochemistry showed that Cx43 was localized on the surface of the cells and in the cytoplasm. The relative expression level of Cx43 on the cellular membrane surfaces of the rat epithelial cells and fibroblasts, as determined by FACS, were 13.91% and 29.53% respectively. Our studied suggested that Cx43 might be involved in GJIC and propagated sensation along meridians. HUANG Xiaotao, female, born in 1968, Doctor in Charge This project was supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. C03050402).