Expression of gap junction protein connexin 32 in chronic liver diseases.

Abstract

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. 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. 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. These results suggest that in chronic liver diseases impaired intercellular communication between hepatocytes occurs.