Gap junctions as modulators of adrenal cortical cell proliferation and steroidogenesis

Gap junctions are membrane specializations that are composed of connexin protein. The assembly of these proteins into channels between cells allows for the intercellular transfer of regulatory molecules. In the adrenal gland, as in most other tissues, intercellular communication provides the potential for regulation of a number of complex interactive cell processes including differentiation, steroidogenesis migration,, and proliferation. This review is concerned with the regulation of gap junctions and cell function in cortical cells of the adrenal gland and in pathological disorders such as adrenal cancer. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.