VARIABILITY IN DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATIONS OF GAP-JUNCTIONS IN FERRET TRACHEA DURING POSTNATAL-DEVELOPMENT

Immunocytochemical probes have been used to characterize gap junction distribution in the postnatal ferret trachea by epifluorescence and by laser scanning confocal and electron microscopy. A battery of antibod ies directed against fragments of different connexins localized beta(1 )- and beta(2)-gap junction antigens (connexins 32 and 26, respectivel y) at the intercellular borders of the superficial epithelium while al pha(1)-gap junction antigen (connexin 43) was localized to the loose c onnective tissues. Gap junction labeling in the superficial epithelium declined in the first weeks of life but persisted in the developing s ubmucosal glands to the weanling stage. Localization of the alpha- and beta-antigens was specific for connective tissues and epithelial laye rs, respectively. These observations suggest that communication compet ence is an important component of early development in the mammalian a irways.