脑内缝隙连接

GAP JUNCTION IN THE BRAIN

缝隙连接普遍存在于动物组织中，具有重要的生理功能。近年来，由于分子生物学等技术的应用，对许多组织的缝隙连接蛋白的特性及其功能的研究取得了很大进展。本文重点介绍脑内缝隙连接蛋白的类型，分布及其生物物理学和药理学特性，并阐述胶质细胞之间、神经元之间缝隙连接的作用，以及缝隙连接与脑发育和癫痫等神经系统疾病的关系。

Gap junctions are found in various tissues including the brain. They play an important role in many physiolgical functions. In recent years, with the utilization of molecular biology and other techniques, the study of gap junctions in many tissues have made much progress. We intended to provide an overview of the cur rent study of gap junctions in the brain, including: (1) Distribution of gap junction protiens in the brain. (2)Physi ological and pharmacological properties of gap junctions in the brain. (3) Functions of gap junctions between astrocytes and between neurons. (4) The relations of gap junctions and brain development. (5) The relations of gap junction mediated intercellular communication and certain diseases in the central nervous system.