BACKGROUND The relationships between connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and clinicopathological factors, epithelial markers, and CpG island methylation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Cx43 expression related with clinicopathological factors, epithelial markers and methylation status of the Cx43 gene. PATIENTS AND METHODS...

The present study using brain death model of rats was designed to examine whether prophylactic administration of volatile anesthetics and propofol prevent the epinephrine-induced arrhythmias. A Fogarty catheter was placed intracranially for induction of brain death. After brain death, the rats were randomly assigned to five groups: the control group (no anesthetics), the sevoflurane group (0.8%...

In cells that coexpress connexin (Cx)40 and Cx43, the ratio of expression can vary depending on the cellular environment. We examined the effect of changing Cx40:Cx43 expression ratio on functional gap junction properties. Rin cells transfected with Cx40 or Cx43 (Rin40, Rin43) were cocultured with 6B5n, A7r5, A7r540C1, or A7r540C3 cells for electrophysiological and dye coupling analysis. Cx40:C...

Gap junction channels permit the direct intercellular transfer of ions and small molecules and allow electrotonic coupling within tissues. Porcine aortic endothelial cells were extensively coupled, as assessed by gap junctional transfer of Lucifer yellow and the fluorescent calcium indicators fluo-3 and furaptra, but were not permeable to rhodamine B isothiocyanate-dextran 10S. The subunit comp...