I would like to use the GAP-134 gap junction activator to study K+ dynamics in cortical slices. However, I am not sure if it is purely specific for astrocytes of it also activates gap junctions in other glial subtypes. I would also like to know wether this drug activates just Cx43-GJs or other type of connexins.
Thank you,
Alba
Just for personal experience, gap-134 only blocks Cx43, but not Cx30 or Cx26 channels also present in astrocytes. I hope helps
There is a pretty specific Cx43 GJ channel blocker Cx43 mimetic peptide. You can find more details about this blocker here
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/content/135/2/506
Because there is little literature using this compound in the brain I would appreciate if you could provide with some advice about the way you used GAP-134 in slices:
1. How did you prepare the stock solution of GAP-134? Did you add water or just DMSO? Did you sonicate it?
2. For how long did you incubate the slices in 10 uM GAP-134? Was the incubation prior to the recordings or you incubated the slices while you were taking recordings?
3. How long does the effect of GAP-134 last in perfusing ACSF? How many recordings could you take per slice?
Thank you very much for your time and help!
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