Articular chondrocyte network mediated by gap junctions: role in metabolic cartilage homeostasis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study investigated whether chondrocytes within the cartilage matrix have the capacity to communicate through intercellular connections mediated by voltage-gated gap junction (GJ) channels.

Methods

Frozen cartilage samples were used for immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays. Samples were embedded in cacodylate buffer before dehydration for scanning electron microscopy. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments and mass spectrometry (MS) were performed to identify proteins that interact with the C-terminal end of Cx43. GJ communication was studied through in situ electroporation, electrophysiology and dye injection experiments. A transwell layered culture system and MS were used to identify and quantify transferred amino acids.

Results

Microscopic i

SUBMITTER: Mayan MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5500216 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature