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Expression of connexin 32 and connexin 43 in the cerebral cortex of patients with refractory epilepsy

Abstract Background: This study aimed to examine the expression of the gap junction proteins connexin 32 (CX32) and connexin 43 (CX43) in the epileptic foci of the brain in patients with refractory epilepsy, in order to provide insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of refractory epilepsy. Methods: The experimental group consisted of 30 patients with refractory epilepsy who received surgical treatments. The control group consisted of six patients with traumatic brain injuries who underwent emergency surgery. Expression of CX32 and CX43 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immune electron microscopy of surgically extracted brain epileptic foci and compared with that in brain tissues of the control group. Results: The expression of CX32 and CX43 was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group (p<0.001). Significantly more colloidal gold particles-labeled CX32 and CX43 were observed on the membranes of nerve cells in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: Brain epileptic foci show increased CX32 and CX43 expression, suggesting that gap junctions formed by CX32 and CX43 may contribute to the incidence and progression of epilepsy.