Altered Expression of Connexin-43 and Impaired Capacity of Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication in Prostate Cancer Cells

Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression in prostate cancer (PCa) cells and the potency of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in the cells were investigated, with an attempt to elu- cidate the reason why the so-called 'bystander effect' mediated by thymidine kinase (TK) suicide gene therapy on PCa cells is not of significance and to explore the role of GJIC in PCa carcinogenesis. mRNA and protein expression of Cx43 in a PCa cell line PC-3m was detected by re- verse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and strapt-avidin-biotin-enzyme complex (SABC) immunohistochemical staining, and inherent GJIC of PC-3m cells was assayed by scrape-loading and dye transfer (SLDT) assay. The expression of Cx43 in human normal and malig- nant prostate tissues was determined by SABC immunohistochemistry as well. It was found that Cx43 mRNA and protein expression in PC-3m cells was slightly reduced as compared with positive controls and the location of Cx43 protein was aberrant in cytoplasm rather than on membrane. As- sessment of paraffin sections demonstrated that the expression of Cx43 protein in PCa cells was ab- normally located and markedly diminished as compared with normal prostatic epithelial ones, dis- playing a negative correlation to the pathological grade (χ2=4.025, P<0.05). Additionally, capacity of inherent GJIC in PC-3m cells was disrupted, which was semi-quantified as (+) or (-). It was indi- cated that both down-regulated expression of Cx43 mRNA and aberrant location of Cx43 protein par- ticipated in the mechanisms leading to deficient GJIC in PC-3m cells. Lack of efficient GJIC is a molecular event, which may contribute not only to limited extent of 'bystander effect', but also to initiation and progression of prostatic neoplasm.

THE EFFECT OF ALL-TRANS RETINOIC ACID ON GAP JUNCTIONAL INTERCELLULARCOMMUNICATION AND CONNEXIN 43 GENE EXPRESSION IN GLIOMA CELLS

To illuminate the regulating effect of all trans retinoic acid (ATRA ) on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and connexin 43 (Cx43) ge ne expression in glioma cells, which is tissue and organ specific. Method. Rat C6 glioma cells were exposed to ATRA at a concentration of 1, 10, 10 0 μmol/L respectively, and the GJIC function of the cells was examined with scr ape loading dye transfer assay 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after ATRA treat ment. The effect of ATRA on Cx43 gene expression was measured with semiquantitat ive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) 24 hours after ATR A exposure. Results. The GJIC function of C6 glioma cells was significantly increased by ATR A at each concentration applied. The dye passed 4 to 5 rows of cells from the sc raping edge in ATRA treated cells, but only 1 or 2 rows in the control. The augm ent effect was observed 24 hours after each concentration ATRA treatment, and la sted till 72 hours after treatment with 1μmol/L and 10μmol/L ATRA. Forty eigh t hours after exposed to 100μmol/L ATRA, the enhancement of GJIC was less obvi ous. There was no significant increase induced by ATRA on the transcription of C x43 gene, as demonstrated by semiquantitative RT PCR. Conclusion. ATRA turned out to be a potent enhancer on GJIC function in C6 gliom a cells, and the enhancement effect was most probable at post transcriptional l evel.

Effect of Apigenin on Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication in Human Tenon's Capsule Fibroblasts

Purpose:To investigate the effect of apigenin on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and its underlying mechanism. Methods:After a 48 h treatment of cultured HTFs with apigenin.(80 μmol/L),the GJIC was detected by a scrape-loading/dye transfer technique with Lucifer yellow dye and rhodamine (Rh) dextran. The coupling index represents a quantification of GJIC where a high coupling index is associated with a greater number of cells demonstrating cell-cell communication through gap junction channels.The changes in connexin 43 (Cx43) distribution and the expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels were statistically compared between the two groups by means of immunocytochemistry, western blotting,and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results:The functioning of GJIC in the HTFs was significantly enhanced after 48 hours by apigenin treatment when compared with the control cells. In the apigenin group, the intercellular dye transfer grade was above 9, while this value was only grade 3-4 in the control group. The coupling index was significantly increased up to 9.205±0.3621 in the apigenin group,compared with 5.1775 ±0.3177 in the control group (F=279.581, P=0.000). The expression of Cx43 at the protein and mRNA levels was significantly up-regulated in the apigenin group compared with the control group. Conclusion:Apigenin can significantly enhance the function of GJIC in HTFs by up-regulating the expression of Cx43 at both the protein and mRNA levels,suggesting that the enhancement of GJIC in HTFs by apigenin probably acts as an important mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of apigenin on HTF proliferation.

STUDIES ON THE GAP JUNCTIONAL INTERCELLULARCOMMUNICATION OF HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEALCARCINOMA CELLS AND THE EFFECT OF RII

Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) cell line,CNE-2Z, and its clones(L2, H2, L4) with various invasive and metastatic potentials were examined for their gap junctions(GJ), gap junctional intercellular communication(GJIC) and the concentration of cytosolic free calcium(Ca2+). Only a few intermediate junction(IJ)but no GJ structures were observed under electron microscope(EM). CNE-2Z cells showed marked JGIC,while its variants lacked this function using the scraploading dye-transfer technique(SLDT). There was lower concentration of[Ca2+]. in L2 cells(a variant with high invasive and metastatic Potential) compared to that in H2 and L4 cells(variants with medium and low invasive and metastatic Potentials, respectively). These data suggested that high invasive and metastatic potentials might be correlated with the levcl of[Ca2+]i in NPC cells.The effect of RII(4-hydroxycarbophenyl retinamide) on NPC cells also investigated, After 3-7 d of RII(10-5 M) treatment, there was no change in the number of gap junctions and other kind of intercellular junctions in NPC cells observed under EM. The JGIC of CNE-2Z weaked and then disappeared finally with prolonging of RII treatment. However. there was no influence on its variants. The level of[Ca2+], in NPC cells apparently fell after 6 h of RII treatment, and rose to original level with persisting of RII treatment. Whether the fluctuating of[Ca2+]i level is related to the inhibitory effect of RII treatment on growth and invasion of NPC cells needs to be further studied.

Mechanism of changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in myocardial cells after burns

Objective: To explore the pathophysiological mechanism of the changes in gap junctionalintercellular communication (GJIC) in the myocardial cells after burns. Methods: After the myocardial cellswere cultured and injured with hypoxia and burn serum, the GJIC in the cells was detected with scrapeloading and dye transfer. Meanwhile, the viability, cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ influx of themyocardial cells were determined. Results: The cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration and the cellulartransmembrane Ca2+ influx were significantly increased but the viability of the cells markedly decreased afterthe injury. The LY fluorescence reached 4 rows of cells from the scrape line in the normal myocardial cells.The GJIC was blocked at the first hour after hypoxia or hypoxia and burn serum injury. The LY fluorescencewas limited to the primary loads cells at the sixth hour after hypoxia and the third hour after hypoxia andburn serum injury. Conclusion: The function of GJIC in the myocardial cells is to maintain high ordersynchronous contraction of the myocardium. After burns, the runaway calcium homeostasis and impairmentof GJIC function would be accused to be the pathological basis for myocardial heterogeneous behavior.

Up-Regulation of the Gap Junction Intercellular Communication by Tea Polyphenol in the Human Metastatie Lung Carcinoma Cell Line

Our previous study has proven that tea polyphenol has a role in lung neoplasms. The present communication was to investage the anti-proliferation effect of tea polyphenol on the PG cells, which was a high metastatic human lung carcinoma cell line, by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) cell viability assay, and to study the change of intracellular calcium concentration, connexin43 (Cx43) expression, gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and cell cycle distribution after the tea polyphenol treatment by laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The results showed that 1) tea polyphenol could kill the PG cells in a dose-depent manner via inhibiting the PG cell proliferation and blocking the PG cell cycle progression staying in G0/G1 phase and not transfering in S and G2/M phases to reduce the PG cell proliferation index;2) the increases of intracellular calcium concentration, GJIC and Cx43 expression were related with the tea polyphenol doses. The data suggested that tea polyphenol could inhibit the growth of PG cells, which mechanism was associated with the up-regulation of GJIC.

EFFECTS OF LIMONENE,SALVIA MILTIORRHIZA AND TURMERIC DERIVATIVES ON H-RAS ONCOGENE EXPRESSION AND GAP JUNCTION INTERCELLULAR COMMUNICATION IN HUMAN SOLID TUMOR CELL LINES

Objective: To study gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), H ras oncogene expression and ras oncogene product (P 21 ras protein) expression in four human solid tumor cell lines, W1-38,CACO 2,A549 and PaCa, and the effects of four compounds, Salvia miltiorrhiza derivative (SMD), d Limonene, Turmeric derivative I (TD I) and Turmeric derivative II (TD II), on them. Methods: The abilities of the four solid tumor cell lines to transfer dye to adjacent cells were examined by the scrape loading/dye transfer technique, and the H ras oncogene expression by Northern blotting and P 21 ras protein expression by Western blotting. Results: The results showed the loss of intercellular coupling in PaCa cells, slight GJIC in A549 and CACO 2 cells, and a good GJIC in W1-38 cells. The four compounds could improve the GJIC of PaCa to different extents. The amount of total and membrane associated P 21 ras in PaCa cells were decreased after treatment with SMD, d Limonene and TD I (2.5 μg/ml) for 48 h. Concomitantly, the growth of PaCa cells decreased in soft agar and had enhanced GJIC. The relative potency was found to be:d Limonene>SMD >TD I=TD II. There was no significant effect of the four compounds on H ras oncogene expression. Conclusion: It was suggested that there was an excellent correlation between loss of Lucifer Yellow dye transfer and ras gene mutation rate in the four solid tumor cell lines (ras gene mutation rate inversely correlated with average cell number coupled, r=0.98) i.e., the high ras gene mutation was closely correlated with loss of GJIC in these malignant human tumor cells; The antitumor effect of the monoterpene d Limonene and the phenol compound, SMD, might be related to inhibition of P 21 ras membrane association and enhancement of GJIC, whilst that of the others may be by a different mechanism; The inhibition of P 21 ras membrane association was directly related to the enhancement of gap junction intercellular com munication.

Connexin 43-modified bone marrow stromal cells reverse the imatinib resistance of K562 cells via Ca^(2+)-dependent gap junction intercellular communication

Background: Imatinib mesylate (IM) resistance is an emerging problem for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Previous studies found that connexin 43 (Cx43) deficiency in the hematopoietic microenvironment (HM) protects minimal residual disease (MRD), but the mechanism remains unknown. Methods: Immunohistochemistry assays were employed to compare the expression of Cx43 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of CML patients and healthy donors. A coculture system of K562 cells and several Cx43-modified bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) was established under IM treatment. Proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and other indicators of K562 cells in different groups were detected to investigate the function and possible mechanism of Cx43. We assessed the Ca^(2+)-related pathway by Western blotting. Tumor-bearing models were also established to validate the causal role of Cx43 in reversing IM resistance. Results: Low levels of Cx43 in BMs were observed in CML patients, and Cx43 expression was negatively correlated with HIF-1α. We also observed that K562 cells cocultured with BMSCs transfected with adenovirus-short hairpin RNA of Cx43 (BMSCs-shCx43) had a lower apoptosis rate and that their cell cycle was blocked in G0/G1 phase, while the result was the opposite in the Cx43-overexpression setting. Cx43 mediates gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) through direct contact, and Ca ^(2+ )is the key factor mediating the downstream apoptotic pathway. In animal experiments, mice bearing K562, and BMSCs-Cx43 had the smallest tumor volume and spleen, which was consistent with the in vitro experiments. Conclusions: Cx43 deficiency exists in CML patients, promoting the generation of MRD and inducing drug resistance. Enhancing Cx43 expression and GJIC function in the HM may be a novel strategy to reverse drug resistance and promote IM efficacy.

Cisplatin-induced premature senescence with concomitant reduction of gap junctions in human fibroblasts

To examine the role of gap junctions in cell senescence,the changes of gap junctions in cisplatin-induced premature senescence of primary cultured fibroblasts were studied and compared with the replicative senescent human fibroblasts.Dye transfer assay for gap junction function and immunofluorescent staining for connexin 43 protein distribution were done respectively. Furthermore,cytofluorimetry and DAPI fluorescence staining were performed for cell cycle and apoptosis analysis. p53 gene expression level was detected with indirect immunofluorescence. We found that cisplatin (10 mM) treatment could block cell growth cycle at G1 and induced premature senescence. The premature senescence changes included high frequency of apoptosis,elevation of p53 expression,loss of membranous gap junctions and reduction of dye-transfer capacity. These changes were comparable to the changes of replicative senescence of human fibroblasts. It was also concluded that cisplatin could induce premature senescence concomitant with inhibition of gap junctions in the fibroblasts. Loss of functional gap junctions from the cell membrane may account for the reduced intercellular communication in the premature senescent fibroblasts. The cell system we used may provide a model useful for the study of the gap junction thus promoting agents against premature senescence.

Basic Investigations EXPRESSION OF GAP JUNCTION PROTEIN Cx43 IN CULTURED HUMAN NORMAL AND MALIGNANT LUNG CELLS

Gap junctional intercellular communicationexchange of small molecules and ions between contiguous cells through membranous gap junctional channelsis essential for growth control and tissue homecotasis. This work concerns the functional expression of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in normal human lung cells and the changes in lung carcinoma cells. By. using Northern blot hybridization analysis and Cx43 immunocytochemical methods, it was otherved that cultured normal human embryonic lung cells expressed a high level of Cx43 in both mRNA and protein levels.The Cx43 immunofluorescence was localized at cell membrane regions corresponding to the location of gap junctions. These normal lung cells were competent of intercellular communication function as detected by Lucifer yellow dye transfer. In contrast to normal celis, Cx43 mRNA and protein was not detectable in the carcinoma PG cell line. These tumor cells were defective of intercellular communication function. These results demonstrate that Cx43 is expressed in normal cultured human embryonic lung cells but not in lung tumor cells. The lack of intercellular communication in the lung tumor cell line correlates with dysfunctional intercellular communication. The suggestive role of Cx as a tumor suppersor gene is discussed.

Connexin 43介导细胞缝隙连接的研究进展

对近几年缝隙连接中Connexin 43(Cx 43)的研究进展加以综述,以期为研究缝隙连接在参与各种生理过程和在多种疾病发生、发展过程中的作用提供新的思路.

星形胶质细胞中缝隙连接蛋白connexin 43的表达及其功能调控

目的研究星形胶质细胞中缝隙连接蛋白connexin 43(Cx43)的表达及由其形成的缝隙连接通讯功能的药物调控。方法实验分为正常对照组、全反式维甲酸组(10μmol/L全反式维甲酸作用24 h)及油酸酰胺组(25μmol/L油酸酰胺作用2 h)。western blotting法检测各组星形胶质细胞中Cx43总蛋白的表达;细胞免疫荧光法检测各组星形胶质细胞Cx43胞膜蛋白的表达;荧光示踪法检测各组星形胶质细胞的缝隙连接通讯功能。结果与正常对照组相比,全反式维甲酸能增强星形胶质细胞中Cx43总蛋白的表达(P<0.01),油酸酰胺则能减弱其表达(P<0.01);全反式维甲酸能增强Cx43胞膜蛋白表达,油酸酰胺能减弱其表达;全反式维甲酸能增强星形胶质细胞缝隙连接通讯功能(P<0.01),而油酸酰胺则可显著降低该功能(P<0.01)。结论药物全反式维甲酸及油酸酰胺可以对星形胶质细胞缝隙连接通讯功能进行调控,其机制可能与其影响星形胶质细胞Cx43总蛋白和胞膜蛋白的表达有关。

小干扰RNA抑制人阴茎海绵体平滑肌细胞间隙连接蛋白connexin43的表达

目的:利用小干扰RNA(siRNA)抑制人阴茎海绵体平滑肌细胞间隙连接蛋白connexin43(Cx43)的表达和检测细胞间间隙连接通讯功能,探讨该技术在阴茎海绵体平滑肌细胞间隙连接和阴茎勃起功能研究中的应用。方法:利用Ambion公司设计软件,构建靶向人Cx43基因的siRNA重组质粒,转染人阴茎海绵体平滑肌细胞48h后,逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和Western印迹检测Cx43基因和蛋白的相对表达水平、划痕标记荧光染料传输技术检测细胞间间隙通讯功能,并分别与siRNA阴性对照、空白对照组比较。结果:酶切和测序证实siRNA真核表达载体构建成功。siRNA重组质粒转染细胞后的Cx43 mRNA和蛋白相对表达水平分别为(0.45±0.08)%、(0.56±0.06)%,与siRNA阴性对照组(0.72±0.04)%、(0.80±0.08)%和空白对照组(0.74±0.09)%、(0.77±0.11)%相比,差异均有显著性(P(0.05);转染后的细胞间间隙连接通讯功能也显著降低。结论:siRNA能有效抑制人阴茎海绵体平滑肌细胞Cx43的表达和阻断间隙连接介导的间隙连接通讯功能。

How does Helicobacter pylori cause gastric cancer through connexins: An opinion review

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium with a number of virulence factors, such as cytotoxin-associated gene A, vacuolating cytotoxin A, its pathogenicity island, and lipopolysaccharide, which cause gastrointestinal diseases. Connexins function in gap junctional homeostasis, and their downregulation is closely related to gastric carcinogenesis. Investigations into H. pylori infection and the fine-tuning of connexins in cells or tissues have been reported in previous studies. Therefore, in this review, the potential mechanisms of H. pylori-induced gastric cancer through connexins are summarized in detail.

Connexin 40-formed GJIC increases the phototoxicity of photodynamic therapy through ROS-and calcium-mediated pathways

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of connexin(Cx)40-formed gap junctional intercellular communication(GJIC)on Photofrin-photodynamic therapy(PDT)phototoxicity in Cx40-transfected He La cells and its potential mechanisms.METHODS He La cell line stably transfected to express Cx40 was seeded at high and low cell density,respectively,to assess in vitro photosensitivity using CCK8 assay.Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression of Cx40.The intracellular ROS and Ca^(2+) concentrations were determined using flow cytometer.4-HNE and ceramide were measured using ELISA assay.RESULTS Cx40-composed GJ formation at high density enhances the phototoxicity of PhotofrinPDT.When the Cx40 is not expressed or Cx40 channels are blocked,the phototoxicity in high-density cultures substantially reduces,indicating that the enhanced PDT phototoxicity at high density is mediated by Cx40-composed GJIC.The GJIC-mediated increase in PDT phototoxicity was associated with ROS and calcium-mediated stress signaling pathways.CONCLUSION The work uniquely presents the ability of Cx40-composed GJIC to enhance the sensitivity of malignant cells to PDT,and indicates that maintenance or increase of Cx40-formed GJIC may be a profitable strategy towards the enhancement of PDT therapeutic efficiency.

低温缺氧/复氧后大鼠心肌成纤维细胞对心肌H9c2细胞间通讯的影响

目的观察低温缺氧/复氧(hypothermia hypoxia/reoxygen,H/R)后大鼠心肌成纤维细胞(rat cardiac fibroblasts,RCFs)对心肌H9c2细胞间通讯的影响并探讨其可能机制。方法将RCFs细胞与H9c2细胞以2:1数量比Transwell共培养后随机分为6组。其中T+AngⅡ组及H/R⁃T+AngⅡ组加入1.5 nmol/L AngⅡ,T+ARB组及H/R⁃T+ARB组加入1 nmol/L缬沙坦。T组、T+AngⅡ组及T+ARB组进行正常培养,H/R⁃T组、H/R⁃T+AngⅡ及H/R⁃T+ARB组进行H/R处理。检测各组培养液中AngⅡ含量;H9c2细胞Cx43、ERK1/2表达量及磷酸化及细胞间通讯情况。结果与T组相比,H/R⁃T组及T+AngⅡ组H9c2细胞ERK1/2、Cx43表达及磷酸化水平降低(P<0.05),细胞间通讯减弱(P<0.05);T+ARB组H9c2细胞ERK1/2、Cx43表达及磷酸化水平增高(P<0.05),细胞间通讯增强(P<0.05)。与H/R⁃T组相比,H/R⁃T+AngⅡ组H9c2细胞ERK1/2、Cx43表达及磷酸化水平降低(P<0.05),细胞间通讯减弱(P<0.05);H/R⁃T+ARB组H9c2细胞ERK1/2、Cx43表达及磷酸化水平增加(P<0.05),细胞间通讯增强(P<0.05)。结论H/R处理后,RCFs细胞分泌增多的AngⅡ可能通过抑制H9c2细胞MAPK/ERK通路下调Cx43表达,导致H9c2细胞间通讯减弱。

沙利度胺对前列腺癌PC-3细胞的增殖及细胞缝隙连接通讯的影响

目的:观察沙利度胺对前列腺癌PC-3细胞增殖和凋亡的作用及对PC-3细胞中Cx43表达水平的影响。方法:将处于对数生长期的前列腺癌PC-3细胞分别给予递增浓度的沙利度胺(0、12.5、25、50、100μg/mL)处理24 h和48 h。采用CCK-8法检测不同浓度沙利度胺对PC-3细胞的增殖抑制影响,Annexin V-FITC/PI双染色法检测细胞凋亡情况,RT-PCR法检测Cx43mRNA的表达及Westernblot检测Cx43蛋白的表达。结果:沙利度胺浓度在25～100μg/mL能明显抑制PC-3细胞体外增殖,随着时间、浓度增加,抑制率相应升高。不同浓度组沙利度胺处理PC-3细胞24～48 h后,Cx43 mRNA和蛋白有不同程度的升高(P<0.05)。结论:沙利度胺可通过抑制人前列腺癌PC-3细胞增殖、诱导其凋亡,产生抗肿瘤作用。沙利度胺可上调前列腺癌PC-3细胞Cx43mRNA及蛋白的表达水平,并可能促进前列腺癌PC-3细胞的细胞缝隙连接通讯功能的恢复,从而抑制肿瘤生长。

细胞间隙连接通讯与肿瘤

由连接蛋白构成的细胞间隙连接通讯(GJIC)广泛存在于脊椎动物中,可以直接介导细胞间小分子物质的传递,而不需要通过细胞间质。GJIC与肿瘤密切相关,多数肿瘤GJIC能力降低或丧失,连接蛋白不表达或胞内定位,而恢复GJIC可以抑制肿瘤, GJIC已成为肿瘤预防与治疗研究的潜在靶点之一。

益气活血中药复方对CVB3病毒性心肌炎心肌细胞actin、Cx43表达及GJIC功能的影响

目的观察益气活血中药复方对柯萨奇病毒B组3型(Coxsackie virus B3,CVB3)病毒性心肌炎心肌细胞间缝隙连接结构及通讯功能的影响。方法以免疫组化法检测正常组、病毒组、益气活血中药复方组心肌细胞肌动蛋白(actin)及连接蛋白(connexin43,Cx43)表达;,并以激光扫描共聚焦显微镜法检测各组心肌细胞荧光漂白恢复率。结果益气活血中药复方能上调CVB3病毒性心肌炎心肌细胞actin及Cx43表达,能显著改善细胞间缝隙连接通讯(GJIC)功能。结论益气活血中药复方具有对抗CVB3致心肌细胞骨架蛋白损伤,修复CVB3病毒性心肌炎心肌细胞间缝隙连接通道结构,改善CVB3攻击后心肌细胞GJIC功能的作用。

间隙连接蛋白家族中Cx26、Cx32、Cx43在前列腺癌组织中的表达

目的:研究间隙连接蛋白家族中Cx26、Cx32、Cx43在前列腺癌(PCa)及良性前列腺增生(BPH)组织中的表达情况,分析三者与PCa生物学行为关系,探索其在PCa发生、发展中的作用机制,为PCa的诊断及治疗提供新的实验依据。方法:随机收集我院近4年存档的PCa石蜡标本31例、BPH 23例,采用免疫组化染色SABC法回顾性研究Cx26、Cx32、Cx43在PCa和BPH组织中的表达情况,半定量研究Cx26、Cx32、Cx43的表达与PCa、BPH的临床和病理参数的关系。结果:①Cx26、Cx32、Cx43在BPH、PCa组织中的阳性表达率分别为82.6%与74.2%(χ2=0.541,P>0.05)、78.3%与61.3%(χ2=1.763,P>0.05)和87.0%与38.7%(χ2=12.730,P<0.01),Cx43在PCa组织中的阳性表达率较BPH中显著降低。②Cx26、Cx43在PCa组织中的阳性表达强度与肿瘤的恶性程度呈负相关(r Cx26=-0.476,P<0.01;r Cx43=-0.484,P<0.01);Cx32的表达与肿瘤恶性程度无相关性(r=-0.242,P>0.05)。③3种Cx表达与年龄、血清PSA浓度及组织中PSA表达强度无相关性,且3种Cx间的表达亦无相关性。结论:Cx26、Cx32、Cx43在BPH和PCa组织中均有不同程度表达,其中Cx43在PCa的发生、发展中可能起到一定的作用,其也许可作为PCa除PSA外的另一标志物以及PCa生物治疗的新靶点,Cx26在PCa进展过程中可能起一定的作用,但其机制尚需进一步研究。