Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
06:35
In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of Compound Muscle Action Potential from the Forelimbs in Mouse Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration
Published on: June 15, 2018
Expression of connexin57 in mouse development and in harmaline-tremor model
A Zappalà1, R Parenti, F La Delia
1Department of Physiological Science, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
Neuroscience
|September 21, 2010
Summary
Connexin57 (Cx57) is newly found in mouse brain nerve cells, specifically in the cerebellum and brain stem, during postnatal development. Its increased expression in a tremor model suggests a role in cerebellar electrotonic coupling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Connexin57 (Cx57) was previously identified in retinal cells.
- Its presence in central nervous system (CNS) nerve cells remained unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of Cx57 during postnatal mouse CNS development.
- To explore the potential role of Cx57 in cerebellar function, particularly in electrotonic coupling.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for Cx57 RNA.
- Western-Blot and immunohistochemistry for Cx57 protein.
- In situ hybridization and double immunohistochemistry (with NeuN and GFAP).
- Analysis of Cx57 expression in the harmaline-tremor mouse model.
Main Results:
- Cx57 RNA and protein expression initiated at postnatal day 12 (P12) in the developing mouse CNS.
- In adult mice (P28), Cx57 was detected in specific brain stem nuclei, cerebellum (Purkinje cells, cerebellar nuclei), and spinal cord (alpha-motoneurons).
- Cx57 expression was localized to neuronal cells, not astrocytes.
- Cx57 was also confirmed in retinal horizontal cells.
- Cx57 transcript levels were upregulated in the cerebellum of the harmaline-tremor model.
Conclusions:
- Cx57 is expressed in specific neuronal populations within the adult mouse CNS during postnatal development.
- The findings support a potential role for Cx57 in the electrotonic coupling of the cerebellar system.
- Cx57 may be involved in the pathophysiology of conditions like the harmaline-tremor model.
