[Gap junctions in the nervous tissue].

In recent years, prominent progresses have been made in the study of the localization and function of gap junctions in the nervous tissue. The application of molecular approaches has advanced the disclosure of the structure, classification and biophysical properties of gap junctions. Dye-coupling and Ca2+ imaging techniques have provided explicit and effective ways for the study of gap junctional functions. The regulation of gap junctions involves the expression of gap junction genes and changes in the conductivity of gap junction channels. Gap junctional intercellular communication includes the exchange of second-messengers and electrical coupling between coupled cells. GJ plays an important role in the function of neuroglial cells, neurons in some brain regions and probably in the formation of local neuronal circuits.