Fig. 4.

Cx43 distribution and expression in LV myocardium determined by immunohistochemistry, western blot and qPCR. (A–D) The expression and distribution of Cx43 in ventricular myocardium; (E–G) total, mitochondria and membrane Cx43 significantly down-regulated in SHR (P < 0.05) and reversed in SHR+LA and SHR+HA (P < 0.05); (H) SHR controls showing significantly lower Cx43 expression than WKY ones (P < 0.01); dose-dependent up-regulation of mRNA level in SHR+LA and SHR+HA (P < 0.01). Values, mean ± SEM; n = 3; *P < 0.05 versus WKY controls; #P < 0.05 versus SHR controls; δP < 0.01 versus SHR+LA; WKY: Wistar; SHR: spontaneously hypertensive rats; LA: low dose of Aliskiren; HA: high dose of Aliskiren.