Fig. 1.

Cx43 ± mice showed improved renal function and structure after IR. Cx43 expression is progressively increased at the mRNA (A) and protein levels (B) in injured kidneys after renal IR. Renal function was evaluated by plasma creatinine (C) and BUN (D) measurements. All parameters reveal a slower progress of the disease in Cx43 ± animals. Representative images of PAS staining (E) show that renal structure was preserved in Cx43 ± vs Cx43 + / + since they developed less tubular necrosis and dilation at 24, 48 and 72 h after IR (F). qPCR for KIM-1 confirmed tubular protection in Cx43 ± mice (G). Values are presented as mean ± SEM; n = 7–10 mice from each group; *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001. * compares Cx43 + / + versus Cx43 ± , # fold induction initial versus different time points. Scale bar, 50 μm