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Faculty Publications
Developmental Expression Of Connexins In The Chick Embryo Myocardium And Other Tissues
Document Type
Article
Keywords
Chick embryo, Connexin, Gap junction, Heart, Immunolocalization, Western blot
Journal/Book/Conference Title
The Anatomical Record
Volume
241
Issue
4
First Page
541
Last Page
553
Abstract
Background: Connexins are cell surface proteins that form specialized regions of cell‐cell communication called gap junctions. These allow impulse conduction in involuntary muscle tissue such as the heart, but also allow the formation of communities of like cells during development of organs. Methods: We used an antipeptide antibody to connexin 43 in immunolocalization studies and an anti‐peptide antibody to an external loop domain common to most connexins in Western blotting of total heart protein to measure the accumulation of connexins in the heart as it develops from 33 hours to 21 days (hatching), and in the adult. Results: Immunolocalization revealed that connexin 43 is widely distributed in the earliest organ rudiments. It is especially prominent in the neural tube and its derivatives, in the lens and nasal placodes, in the foregut and its derivatives, in the somites, in the mesonephric tubules, and in the heart and major arteries. Heart tissue staining grew more intense with development through day 8. However, at day 11 and day 15, and in the adult, heart staining diminished. Endocardium and valve tissue did not stain. Western blotting of heart homogenates with the antibody directed against the external loop domain peptide showed 26, 32, 43, 45, and 56 kilodalton connexins, which changed in relative abundance, displaying unique patterns during development. Conclusions: Our results show patterns of connexin immunolocalization in early germ layers and organ rudiments that are similar to those known in the mouse, but with certain differences. Our results show a distinctive pattern of multiple connexin gene expression in the developing heart from days 2–21. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Copyright © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Department
Department of Biology
Original Publication Date
1-1-1995
DOI of published version
10.1002/ar.1092410412
Recommended Citation
Wiens, Darrell; Jensen, Lisa; Jasper, Jill; and Becker, Jennifer, "Developmental Expression Of Connexins In The Chick Embryo Myocardium And Other Tissues" (1995). Faculty Publications. 4298.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/4298