Astrocyte gap junction dysfunction activates JAK2-STAT3 pathway to mediate inflammation in depression.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is highly expressed in astrocytes and forms gap junctions that maintain intercellular communication. Dysfunctional gap junctions in astrocytes exacerbate depressive symptoms, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. Inflammatory responses occur in the brains of most people with depression.