Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2011, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (27): 5072-5075.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2011.27.029

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Regulatory effect of connexin/gap junction intercellular communication on proliferation of rat hepatic oval cells 

Fu Hua-qun1, Li Xue-dong1, Wang Kai-yang2, Jiang Xing-xing1, Chao Ying-hui1   

  1. 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang  330006, Jiangxi  Province, China; 2Department of Emergency, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang  330006, Jiangxi Province, China
  • Received:2011-01-28 Revised:2011-02-27 Online:2011-07-02 Published:2011-07-02
  • About author:Fu Hua-qun★, Master, Chief physician, Professor, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China ncdxfhq@yahoo.com.cn
  • Supported by:

    the Grant of Department of Education of Jiangxi Province, No. GJJ09105*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by connexin (CX) is the pivotal pattern of communication in multicellular organism.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the regulatory effect of CX/GJIC on hepatic oval cell proliferation.
METHODS: Wistar rats were assigned to four groups. Control group received normal diet. Animal models of hepatic oval cell proliferation were established in the 2-acetylaminofluorene/ partial hepatectomy (2-AAF/PH) group according to modified Solt-Farber method. Phenobarbital group received phenobarbital drinking for 7 days, and on day 8, models were established as the 2-AAF/PH group. Phenobarbital drinking lasted till the end of the test. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) group received PNS 25 mg/kg daily by intraperitoneal injection during model establishment as the 2-AAF/PH group, lasting till the end of the test.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The patterns of CX expression were different in spatial and temporal in the rat liver after 2-AAF/PH, decreased and then recovered. The CX43 protein was expressed in hepatic oval cells, and they were increased at first and then to recover. GJIC was inhibited by altered the spatial and temporal expression patterns of CX in the rats liver after 2-AAF/PH (with phenobarbital) that can accelerate the proliferation of hepatic oval cells. GJIC was increased by enhancing the expression level of CX in the rats liver after2-AAF/PH (with PNS) that can accurately activate hepatic oval cells proliferation. The peak of hepatic oval cells proliferation was decreased, delayed and lasted long time. To decrease the GJIC in the rat liver of 2-AAF/PH that can accelerate and enhance the proliferation of hepatic oval cells, whereas to increase the GJIC can decrease, delay and last long time the proliferation of hepatic oval cells. These suggest that the proliferation and differentiation of hepatic oval cells were modulated by CX/GJIC.

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