Objective To explore the method for detecting the connexin 43(Cx43) in detrusor of bladder in rats with detrusor instability.Methods The model of rats with detrusor instability was established.Ten rats in unstable bladder group were determined by filling cystonetry method controlled by 10 normal rats.The fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC) was used to label the Cx43 and the tritin conjugated rhodamine was used to label the cell membrane of detrusor muscle.The Cx43 and the cell membrane of detrusor muscle were detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy(LSCM),and the images were analyzed by the image analysis program.Results The distinct images of Cx43 and cell membrane of detrusor muscle could be obtained by the LSCM.The expression of Cx43 and pixel density were increased significantly in rats of unstable bladder group than those of the control group(all P