Objective: To probe into expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the meridians of the normal healthy rats and the relation among connexin, gap junction and meridian.
Methods: PowerVision two step immunohistochemical technique and ASIAS-2000 automatical image-scan analyzing system were used to detect Cx43 level and distribution in the Kidney and Bladder Meridians of the rat.
Results: Cx43 expressed mainly in skin epithelia, fibroblasts and mast cells of the subcutaneous layer. And expression of Cx43 in the Kidney and Bladder Meridians was significantly more than that in the control lines (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Connexins and gap junctions have close relation with the meridians, and the gap junctional intercellular communication may play an important role in the function of meridians.