Figure 4

HHS affects Cx43-pS368 expression and distribution via the LKB1/AMPK pathway. (A) Results of western blot. (a) Western Blot demonstration of p-Cx43, t-Cx43, p-AMPK, t-AMPK, and LKB1 in cardiac tissues from NC, HHS, and A + HHS. (b–f) Quantification of the p-Cx43, t-Cx43, p-AMPK, t-AMPK, and LKB1 level (n = 4). (B) IHC staining of Cx43-pS368. (a) Normal Cx43-pS368 expression in the NC group was high and basically distributed in the transverse junctions, i.e., "end-to-end"; (b) Cx43-pS368 expression was reduced and changed to "side-to-side" distribution in the HHS group; (c) Improvement in the expression and distribution of Cx43-pS368 in the A + HHS group after pretreatment with AICAR; (d) Quantification of the positive area in myocardial tissues from three groups (n = 7). Scale bar = 50 μm. ns P > 0.05, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001.