Connexin 32 and 43 gap junctions differentially modulate tenocyte response to cyclic mechanical load

Gap junctions allow rapid exchange of ions and small metabolites between cells. They can occur between connective tissue cells, and in tendons there are two prominent types, composed of connexin 32 or 43. These form distinct networks – tenocyte rows are linked by both longitudinally, but only by connexin 43 laterally. We hypothesised that the junctions had different roles in cell response to mechanical loading, and measured the effects of...