Immunohistochemical analysis of connexin26 and 43 expression in the mouse alimentary tract

The spatial pattern of connexins26 (Cx26) and 43 (Cx43) expressions were investigated in the mouse digestive tract by immunocytochemistry. High levels of connexin43 in the epithelium of the oesophagus, non-glandular part of the stomach, and the circular layer of duodenal and ilea muscularis externa were detected. Cx26 was expressed in stratum granulosum of oesophagal folds and in the non-glandular part of the stomach. A low level of immunoreactivity of Cx43 was observed in the circular, and very low in the longitudinal layer of the muscularis externa in the stomach and colon. No immunoreactivity for Cx26 and Cx43 was found in the entire muscularis externa of the oesophagus or in the longitudinal muscle layers of the duodenum and ileum.