Studies on functioning of reconstituted gap junctional channels

Abstract

We examine the functioning of isolated rat liver gap junction protein after reconstituting into unilamellar liposomes with the help of fluorescence-efflux assay. Monitoring of the dequenching of a fluorescence marker 5, (6) CF due to its efflux from proteoliposomes into extra-liposomal space via its passage through reconstituted gap junctional channels has been performed. The efflux of dye from intra-liposomal to extra-liposomal compartment (both final release or Feq and initial rate or IR) was found dependent on gap junction concentrations. The opening and closing of reconstituted gap junctional channels were found influenced by pH and osmolarity of the extra-liposomal solution.