Increased expression and functionality of the gap junction in peripheral blood lymphocytes is associated with hypertension-mediated inflammation in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Our data suggest that Cxs may be involved in the regulation of T-lymphocyte homeostasis and the production of cytokines. A clear association was found between alterations in Cxs expression or in Cx43-based GJIC and hypertension-mediated inflammation.