(A) mRNA expression of Cx43 by qPCR after being treated with different concentrations of TGF-β1. The results were based on three independent experiments (n=3). **P<0.01. (B) Western blot analysis of Cx43 upon exposure to TGF-β1 for 24 and 36 h. Quantitation was performed to confirm the protein changes (n=3). *P<0.05; **P<0.01. (C) Representative IF staining by CLSM showing the elevated expression of Cx43 and potential GJ in osteocytes in response to TGF-β1 (cytoskeleton, green; Cx43, red; nucleus, blue). The results were based on three independent experiments (n=3). White arrows showing that Cx43 distribution was along the dendritic processes. (D) The total fluorescent qualification was performed to show the expression changes of Cx43 induced by TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml). The results were based on three independent experiments (n=3). *P<0.05. (E) The qualification further indicated the changes of GJ numbers induced by TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml). *Significant difference was respected to the control group (P<0.05).