The cloning and sequencing of two bovine connexin32 cDNAs are reported. Comparative analysis with known corresponding mammalian cDNA and protein sequences, besides confirming a high degree of similarity among these proteins, allowed us to identify some specific features of the bovine connexin32 gene. The latter include: the presence of a novel exon in the 5' UTR which is alternatively spliced, giving rise to a new mRNA species; the presence of two potential hairpin loops in the 5' and 3' UTR; and the presence of an additional amino acid, glycine235, in the C-terminal domain of the 284 residue protein. Among the common features, the presence of polypyrimidine clusters within the 3' UTR, containing a consensus sequence for a cis-acting element, is noteworthy. Expression of connexin32 mRNAs was analysed in 16 bovine tissues. Transcript analysis suggests the presence, in cattle, of an alternative downstream promoter.