CONNEXIN-43 IN CELLS OF INJURED RAT SCIATIC NERVE

AIM: The purpose of this study was to study the distribution and localization of the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43) in cells of intact and injured rat sciatic nerve. METHODS: Damage to the sciatic nerves of Wistar rats of the experimental group (n=5) was carried out by nerve ligation for 40 s. Animals without damage of sciatic nerve were studied as a control group (n=5). Immunohistochemical detection of connexin-43 was performed on paraffin sections. RESULTS: It has been established that the protein is contained in the cells of the perineurium and epineurium of both the intact nerve and after the application of a ligature. In the area of the endoneurium, in the absence of nerve damage, Cx43 is detected only in the endotheliocytes of a few vessels. In the endoneurium of the injured nerve, a large number of large Cx43-immunopositive cells with processes were identified. CONCLUSION: It has been established that Cx43-containing cells are identified in the endoneurium of the sciatic nerve only after damage.