Immunohistochemical Detection of Connexin-43 in the Myocardium of Preterm Born Rats

An immunohistochemical study of connexin-43 (Cx43) was carried out in the myocardium of the left ventricle of 6-month-old rats born one day preterm. Using computer morphometry, the relative area of immunopositive staining was determined. The intensity of immunopositive staining was evaluated spectrophotometrically. It was shown that in preterm born 6-month-old rats, Cx43 is located in the region of intercalated discs. However, the relative area, as well as the intensity of Cx43-positive staining in this case was lower than in full-term animals. Thus, preterm birth affects the expression of Cx43 in the myocardium in the late postnatal period.