However, some gap junctions do allow for communication in only one direction.
Many new functions for gap junctions have been uncovered since those early years.
There are many gap junctions between the cells of fish double cones.
Later it was found that chemicals could also be transported between cells through gap junctions.
Hela cells were used in these studies because they have very little ability to communicate through gap junctions.
Innexin family members are the structural components of gap junctions.
Embryos with areas of blocked gap junctions failed to develop normally.
Disease also seems to have an effect on the ability of gap junctions to fulfill their roles in wound healing.
It is likely this early work was already reflecting the presence of more than just connexins in gap junctions.
Today we know that this type of electrical interaction is mediated by gap junctions.