Decreased connexin43 expression in the hippocampus is related to the antidepressant effect of amitriptyline in neuropathic pain mice.

Downregulation of astrocytic connexin43 (Cx43) has been observed in several brain regions in rodents and patients with depression. However, its specific role in this effect remains unknown. Moreover, chronic pain can induce depressive disorders.

Downregulation of connexin43 potentiates noradrenaline-induced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in primary cultured cortical astrocytes.

Decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the pathology of depressive disorders. Astrocytes produce BDNF following antidepressant treatment or stimulation of adrenergic receptors. Connexin43 (Cx43) is mainly expressed in central nervous system astrocytes and its expression is downregulated in patients with major depression.

A case of prostate B-cell lymphoma recognized in the contents of an irreducible perineal hernia in a dog.

We present a case of an intact 14-year-old male dog with a prostate B-cell lymphoma recognized in the contents of an irreducible perineal hernia. The enlarged prostate was replaced after reducing its size by partial excision, and the perineal hernia was repaired using the tunica vaginalis communis. However, the pelvic cavity was largely occupied by the replaced prostate, and urinary retention developed.

Downregulation of spinal astrocytic connexin43 leads to upregulation of interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 and mechanical hypersensitivity in mice.

Connexin43 (Cx43), involved in intercellular signaling, is expressed in spinal dorsal horn astrocytes and crucial in the maintenance of neuropathic pain. Downregulation of spinal astrocytic Cx43 in mice enhances glutamatergic neurotransmission by decreasing glutamate transporter GLT-1 expression, resulting in cutaneous hypersensitivity. Decreased expression of astrocytic Cx43 could lead to altered expression of other nociceptive molecules.