Figure 1.

Analysis of the mRNA profile of Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 in HAEC and HUVEC showed distinct expression patterns in each type of cells and in HAEC Cx43 was the most abundant transcripts. Real-time PCR showed the existence of Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 transcripts. Cx43 and Cx37 were the most abundant connexin transcripts expressed in HAEC and HUVEC, respectively. In HAEC, compared to Cx37 and Cx40, Cx43 was more than 10-fold abundant. *, p < 0.05; #, p < 0.005, HAEC vs. HUVEC. **, p < 0.01 for Cx43 vs. each of Cx37 and Cx40 in HAEC.