Figure 6. Levels of total connexin 43 (Cx43) and phosphorylated connexin 43 (pCx43) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent.

AtT-20 cells were treated with lycopene (Licop) or beta-carotene (β-car) at concentrations of 5 and 10 µM for 48 and 96 h. Cx 43 levels decreased under carotenoid treatment at 48 h (A) and 96 h (C). However, the levels of pCx43 increased only after 96 h under 10 µM beta-carotene stimulation (B and D). Data are expressed as mean±standard deviation of 3 independent experiments, each performed with at least 2 replicates. *indicates significant differences from control group. (***p<0.001).