Nakase Taizen, Naus Christian C G
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of British Columbia, 313-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC, Canada V6T 1Z3.
Biochim Biophys Acta. 2004 Mar 23;1662(1-2):149-58. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2004.01.009.
Gap junctions are intercellular channels which directly connect the cytoplasm between neighboring cells. In the central nervous system (CNS) various kinds of cells are coupled by gap junctions, which play an important role in maintaining normal function. Neuronal gap junctions are involved in electrical coupling and may also contribute to the recovery of function after cell injury. Astrocytes are involved in the pathology of most neuronal disorders, including brain ischemia, Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. In the pathology of brain tumors, gap junctions may be related to the degree of malignancy and metastasis. However, the role of connexins, gap junctions and hemichannels in the pathology of the diseases in the CNS is still ambiguous. Of increasing importance is the unraveling of the function of gap junctions in the neural cell network, involving neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. A better understanding of the role of gap junctions may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches to treating diseases of the CNS.
间隙连接是直接连接相邻细胞胞质的细胞间通道。在中枢神经系统（CNS）中，各种细胞通过间隙连接相互耦联，这在维持正常功能中起着重要作用。神经元间隙连接参与电耦联，也可能有助于细胞损伤后功能的恢复。星形胶质细胞参与大多数神经元疾病的病理过程，包括脑缺血、阿尔茨海默病和癫痫。在脑肿瘤的病理过程中，间隙连接可能与恶性程度和转移有关。然而，连接蛋白、间隙连接和半通道在中枢神经系统疾病病理中的作用仍不明确。越来越重要的是揭示间隙连接在神经细胞网络中的功能，该网络涉及神经元、星形胶质细胞、小胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞。更好地理解间隙连接的作用可能有助于开发治疗中枢神经系统疾病的新治疗方法。
