GJA1 and atherosclerosis: Moreover, in line with leucocyte-ECs interactions, in a hamster cheek pouch, the TNF-α inflammatory effect on leucocyte adhesion is suppressed in ECs Cx43-deficient mice as well as by a pharmacological blockade of GJ [200]; thus, Cx43 is predominantly involved in atherosclerosis-related leucocyte adhesion, this is consistent with its contribution to hyperpermeability.