No-reflow disrupts the expression and distribution of Connexin 43 in a swine model

► Left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion or reperfusion in 21 open-chest pigs were made. ► The synthesis, expression and distribution of Cx43 in reflow, no reflow and ischemic region were invested. ► The synthesis, expression and distribution of Cx43 are further disrupted in no-reflow region. ► Cx43 is partially rephosphorylated with reperfusion only in the reflow myocardium. ► The results may have methodological significance in ischemia/reperfusion studies.