Baicalein enhances the gap junction in the TM4 Sertoli cells of mice

Objective: To investigate the effect of baicalein on the gap junction intercellular communication( GJIC) in the TM4 Sertoli cells of the mouse testis and its related mechanism. Methods: We measured the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of baicalein on the TM4 Sertoli cells in the mouse testis by MTT,detected the fluorescence transfer of the TM4 Sertoli cells by parachute assay,and determined the expression of the protein connexin 43( Cx43) in the baicalein-treated cells by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Results: Baicalein produced no obvious cytotoxicity on the TM4 Sertoli cells at the concentration below 60 μmol / L but significantly increased their GJIC at 0- 20 μmol / L( P 0. 01). Western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that 0- 20μmol /L baicalein remarkably elevated the expression of Cx43 in the TM4 cells( P 0. 01) and on the membrane of the TM4 cells.Conclusion: Baicalein at the concentration of 0- 20 μmol / L can significantly enhance GJIC in mouse TM4 Sertoli cells by increasing the expression of the Cx43 protein.