BACKGROUND: Gap junctions contain intercellular channels through which contacting cells communicate directly. The expression of connexin 32, a major gap junction protein in the liver, during the progression of chronic liver diseases has not yet been clarified. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-connexin 32 antibody on 6 specimens of normal human liver, 7 of chronic viral hepatitis, and 7 of liver cirrhosis. RESULTS: The number of gap junction plaques in chronic viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis was significantly smaller than that in normal liver (10350+/-2180 and 7550+/-3040 vs 22560+/-3700 spots/mm2, p<0.01). The number of gap junction plaques tended to be lower in liver cirrhosis than in chronic viral hepatitis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in chronic liver diseases impaired intercellular communication between hepatocytes occurs.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Yamaoka et al. (2000) studied this question.