Identification of connexins in human oral mucosa and therapeutic effect ofirsogladine maleate on aphthous stomatitis

We identified connexins 26 and 32 in human oral mucosa. The presence of the connexins indicates the presence of gap junctions in this tissue. However, immunofluorescence study found no significant differences in the expressio n of the connexins between patients with aphthons stomatitis and controls. Irsogladine maleate, which reinforces gap junctional intercellular communic ation in vitro, was effective for the treatment of transient and relapsing aphthous stomatitis, as well as symptomatic and drug-induced aphthous stoma titis. It was also useful for prevention of episodes of relapsing aphthous stomatitis, with daily administration preverting recurrence of stomatitis f or more than 4 years one patient. These findings suggest that irsogladine m aleate accelerates the wound healing process in oral mucosa by reinforcing gap junctional intercellular communication among oral mucosal cells; and th at it is useful for the treatment and prevention of aphthous stomatitis.