The expression and functional properties of connexin36 (Cx36) were examined in two communication-deficient cell lines (N2A-neuroblastoma and PC-12 cells) transfected with Cx36 and in hippocampal neurons that express the connexin endogenously. Transfected cells expressed the expected 2.9 kb Cx36 transcript and Cx36 immunoreactivity, whereas nontransfected cells were devoid of Cx36. The relations...

BACKGROUND GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 area are mutually communicated by gap junctions (GJs) composed of connexin36 (Cx36). We examined the role of Cx36 in CA1 in manifestation of kindled seizures and hippocampal kindling in rats. METHODS Quinine, as the specific blocker of Cx36, was injected into CA1, and kindled seizures severity was examined 10 min afterward. Moreover, qu...

To characterize connexin36 (Cx36)-expressing neurons of the adult rat somatosensory cortex, we examined fluorescence signals for Cx36 messenger RNA (mRNA) in 3 nonoverlapping subpopulations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons, which showed immunoreactivity for 1) parvalbumin (PV); 2) somatostatin (SOM); and 3) either calretinin (CR), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), cholecys...

The existence of functional connexin36 (Cx36) hemichannels in β-cells was investigated in pancreatic islets of rat and wild-type (Cx36(+/+)), monoallelic (Cx36(+/-)), and biallelic (Cx36(-/-)) knockout mice. Hemichannel opening by KCl depolarization was studied by measuring ATP release and changes of intracellular ATP (ADP). Cx36(+/+) islets lost ATP after depolarization with 70 mM KCl at 5 mM ...

Transgenic technology, immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology, intracellular injection techniques, and reverse transcription PCR were combined to study the expression of neuronal connexin36 (Cx36) in the outer plexiform layer of the mouse retina. Transgenic animals expressed either a fusion protein of full-length Cx36 with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) attached at the C terminus or ...

Electrical synapses (gap junctions) rapidly transmit signals between neurons and are composed of connexins. In neurons, connexin36 (Cx36) is the most abundant isoform; however, the mechanisms underlying formation of Cx36-containing electrical synapses are unknown. We focus on homocellular and heterocellular gap junctions formed by an AII amacrine cell, a key interneuron found in all mammalian r...

Normal insulin secretion requires the coordinated functioning of beta-cells within pancreatic islets. This coordination depends on a communications network that involves the interaction of beta-cells with extracellular signals and neighboring cells. In particular, adjacent beta-cells are coupled via channels made of connexin36 (Cx36). To assess the function of this protein, we investigated isle...

We studied the effect of gap junctional coupling on the excitability of -cells in slices of pancreas, which provide a normal environment for islet cells. The electrophysiological properties of -cells from mice (C57Bl/6 background) lacking the gap junction protein connexin36 (Cx36 / ) were compared with heterozygous (Cx36 / ) and wild-type littermates (Cx36 / ) and with frequently used wild-type...

We studied the effect of gap junctional coupling on the excitability of beta-cells in slices of pancreas, which provide a normal environment for islet cells. The electrophysiological properties of beta-cells from mice (C57Bl/6 background) lacking the gap junction protein connexin36 (Cx36(-/-)) were compared with heterozygous (Cx36(+/-)) and wild-type littermates (Cx36(+/+)) and with frequently ...

Neuronal gap junction (GJ) channels composed of connexin36 (Cx36) play an important role in neuronal synchronization and network dynamics. Here we show that Cx36-containing electrical synapses between inhibitory neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus are bidirectionally modulated by changes in intracellular free magnesium concentration ([Mg(2+)]i). Chimeragenesis demonstrates that the first ...