Therefore, given the role the NLRP3 inflammasome plays in CF differentiation and remodelling following ischemia-reperfusion, and how CF Cx43/Cx45 hemichannels facilitate ATP release [86] and CF Cx43 hemichannel blockade following ischemia-reperfusion is protective [85], it is likely that CF connexin hemichannels play a role in the initiation and amplification of inflammation during HF and MI. This evidence concerns the gene NLRP3 and hydrops fetalis.