Fig. 5.

Schematic representation of the effects of RONS-induced oxidative stress on GJs and connexons. (1) GJs are able to transport RONS between cells. (2) RONS induce connexon opening to allow the entry of RONS to the cell interior. (3) Proposed mechanism to increase the intracellular RONS accumulation: Connexon blockers induce connexon close state and increase the intracellular accumulation of RONS, by entrance of them through the membrane and by natural intracellular production (e.g., within the mitochondria and cytoplasm). Taken together, these events induce cell death.