Are different gap junctions involved in neuromuscular interaction in mouse proximal colon?

Aims: Gap junctions have been observed using electron microscopy between circular muscle cells of the circular muscle of colon in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. They are also present between interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the myenteric plexus of the gastrointestinal tract. Gap junctions furthermore couple ICCs to smooth muscle and may transmit nerve activity, but no functional evidence exists. Aim: We tested the hypothesis that gap junctions are involved in the neuromuscular interaction in mouse colon by using different types of gap junction blockers, namely carbenoxolone, heptanol, octanol and GAP–…