0152 : Effects of connexin 43 inhibition on mitochondrial function in cardiac skinned fibers and isolated mitochondria

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a main component of intercellular gap junction channels in cardiomyocytes. The presence of Cx43 in heart mitochondria has been also reported, where it may participate in energy metabolism and protection against ischemia. Given the key role for mitochondria in pathogenesis of heart diseases, we examined how mitochondrial function could be altered in case of Cx43 pharmacological inhibition by carbenoxolone (CBX). Oxygen consumption rates under various substrate conditions were determined either in ventricles from pig hearts using saponin-permeabilized fibers, or in isolated mitochondria from rat hearts. Measurements of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and reactive o…