Human chronic gastric ulcer and connexin.

In this study we investigated the relationship between chronic gastric ulcers and the appearance of connexin 32 or connexin 43. Samples were taken endoscopically and the appearance of connexin 32 or connexin 43 was assessed by Western blotting using anticonnexin 32 or anticonnexin 43 antibodies. Normal gastric mucosa contained both connexin 32 and connexin 43. In contrast, gastric mucosa surrounding a chronic gastric ulcer lesion contained a smaller amount of connexin 32 and connexin 43. We also investigated the relationship between the appearance of connexins and ulcer healing. Antiulcer treatment for chronic gastric ulcer was administered. When ulcer healing was observed, connexins 32 and 43, which decreased at the active ulcer stage, had returned almost to levels observed in normal gastric mucosa. These data clearly indicate that disappearance of both connexin 32 and connexin 43 is closely related to the stage of chronic gastric ulcer lesions.