Modulation of metabolic communication through gap junction channels by transjunctional voltage; synergistic and antagonistic effects of gating and ionophoresis

► Heterotypic gap junction channels exhibit voltage gating and cell-to-cell signal transfer asymmetries. ► Transjunctional flux of fluorescent dyes was studied by combining dual whole-cell patch clamp and fluorescent imaging. ► Intercellular transfer of charged dyes is modulated by transjunctional voltage. ► Voltage-gating and ionophoresis can act on cell-cell metabolic communication in a synergistic or antagonistic manner.