Figure 1.

(A) Schematic model denoting the approximate location of Cx26, Cx30, Cx31 and Cx43 expression in rodent epidermis. Note that Cx43 is found primarily in the basale and spinosum strata while Cx26 and Cx30 are more commonly found in the upper spinosum strata and throughout the stratum granulosum. Cx31 is typically restricted to the stratum granulosum. At least three other connexins are expressed in the epidermis that are not shown here. (B) Primary keratinocytes from newborn mice were immunolabeled to detect the presence of Cx43, Cx26 and Cx30. Note that while clearly identifiable Cx43 gap junctions were observed (arrows) no Cx26 or Cx30 could be detected. Bar = 10 μm.