Сonnexin-43 in cells of injured rat sciatic nerve

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is known that intercellular communications in the peripheral nervous system are provided by various types of intercellular contacts, in particular, gap junctions formed by connexin proteins. The literature contains data on changes in the expression of connexin-32, connexin-46 and other types of connexins during nerve injury. However, very few studies describe changes in connexin-43 expression in similar pathologies. AIM: The purpose of this study was to study the distribution and localization of the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43) in cells of intact and injured rat sciatic nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Damage to the sciatic nerves of Wistar rats of the experimental group (n=5) was carried out by nerve ligation for 40 s. Animals without damage of sciatic nerve were studied as a control group (n=5). Immunohistochemical detection of Cx43 was performed on paraffin sections. RESULTS: It has been established that the protein is contained in the cells of the perineurium and epineurium of both the intact nerve and after the application of a ligature. In the area of the endoneurium, in the absence of nerve damage, Cx43 is detected only in the endotheliocytes of a few vessels. In the endoneurium of the injured nerve, a large number of large Cx43-immunopositive cells with processes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: It has been established that Cx43-containing cells are identified in the endoneurium of the sciatic nerve only after damage. To clarify whether such cells belong to a specific cell type, additional studies are necessary.