Open AccessDifferential Changes in Expression of Gap Junction Proteins Connexin 26 and 32 during Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats
Author(s) -
Sakamoto Hirofumi,
Oyamada Masahito,
Enomoto Katsuhiko,
Mori Michio
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
japanese journal of cancer research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.035
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1349-7006
pISSN - 0910-5050
DOI - 10.1111/j.1349-7006.1992.tb02747.x
Subject(s) - connexin , carcinogenesis , immunohistochemistry , glutathione , biology , gap junction , connexin 32 , tumor promotion , gene expression , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , cancer research , endocrinology , enzyme , gene , biochemistry , immunology , medicine , intracellular
We examined expressions of the gap junction proteins, connexin 26 (C×26) and 32 (C×32), in preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions during rat hepatocarcinogenesis. A marked reduction in the numher of C×32‐positive gap junctions was observed in 17% of the glutathione S‐transferase placental form‐positive foci, whereas 44% of the foci showed increased expression of C×26. Most hyperplastic nodules exhibited decreased expression of C×32, whereas 16% of the nodules showed increased expression of C×26. In hepatocellular carcinomas, expressions of both C×32 and C×26 were significantly reduced. These results suggest that the expressions of C×32 and 26 are differentially regulated during hepatocarcinogenesis, and that the decrease in C×32 expression occurs earlier, whereas reduction in C×26 expression occurs later in association with promotion and progression of carcinogenesis.