Connexin 43 channels protect osteocytes against oxidative stress-induced cell death.

ABSTRACT: The increased osteocyte death by oxidative stress (OS) during aging is a major cause contributing to the impairment of bone quality and bone loss. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we show that H₂O₂ induced cell death of primary osteocytes and osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells, and also caused dose-dependent decreased expression of gap junction and hemichannel-forming connexin 43 (Cx43). The decrease of Cx43 expression was also demonstrated with the treatment of other oxidants, rotenone and menadione. Antioxidant reversed the effects of oxidants on Cx43 expression and osteocyte cell death. Cx43 protein was also much lower in the osteocytes from 20-month-old as opposed to the 5-week-old or 20-week old mice. Dye transfer assay showed that H₂O₂ reduced the gap juncti

SUBMITTER: Kar R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3688648 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature