Astrocytic Connexin 43 mRNA is Upregulated in the Vicinity of the Photothrombotic Lesion in Rat Brain

Intercellular coupling via gap junction channels is vital for astrocytic function. The role of gap junctional communication under ischemic conditions is discussed controversely. In our model of focal cerebral ischemia, we studied the expression of connexin 43, one of the major gap junction proteins in astrocytes. Connexin 43 mRNA is elevated in cells surrounding the lesion site which was shown by RNA/RNA in situ hybridization. The hybridization signal in pericarya around the lesion was much higher than in the remaining brain areas. This upregultion was further investigated by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Biopsies we…