[Study on the expression of connexin 43 in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship of the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).


METHODS
The cell shape and the expression of Cx43 in 18 cases of NPC and 10 cases of chronic inflammation disease of nasopharyngeal epitheliems (CIDNE) were observed under the laser scanning confocal microscopy and technology of fluorescence.


RESULTS
The scanning images displayed that the fluorescence signal of Cx43 in cell membrane of NPC was significantly lower than in CIDNE (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of Cx43 plays an important role in the development of NPC. The reduced or loss of gap junctional intercellular communication may be one of the important factors in the development of a normal nasopharyngeal epithelium cell into a neoplastic one.
Shen
Zhizhong
Z
Department of Otolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041.
Lin
Juelong
J
Li
Manhong
M
Zeng
Qingchun
Q
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007365:Intercellular Junctions; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D018031:Connexin 43