[Gap junction communication: alternative pattern of signal exchange in glia and neuron].

Gap junction is a direct communication between the cells as the channel, which exists widely in the central nervous system involving in transporting the electronic and chemical messages between neurons and glias. It plays roles in regulation of metabolism, ion buffer, "calcium wave" as well ATP receptor signal. Gap junction also has been complicated in the nerve growth and development. Switching the gap junction participates in pathological process and maintainning the local metabolites concentration. Calcium wave is the prominently regulated by gap junction. In the central nervous system, it is remain to be elucidated whether the gap junction play roles in embryonic development and pathophysiological processes.