Objective: Connexins (Cx) form transmembrane channels that can transport ions and small regulatory molecules between adjacent cells. They also function as hemichannels and through protein interactions and are involved in the control of cell replication and maintenance of multicellular homeostasis. Method: We have tested the expression of connexins in melanocytic tumours using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays of 21 common and 73 dysplastic nevi, and 61 primary and 23 metastatic malignant melanomas. Results: Cx23 was not found in melanocytic tumours despite expressed in the basal epidermis. Cx30.3 reaction showed punctate cell membrane staining in 71 % of naevi in their superficial regions including atypical nests, and displayed cytoplasmic staining in 28 % of melanomas. Low levels of Cx32 were revealed in the cytoplasm of >80 % of naevi and melanomas but only 23 % and 8 % showed membranous positivity, respectively. Cx36 perinuclear/cytoplasmic immunostaining was observed in 57 % of naevi and 24 % of melanomas and as cell membrane reaction in 24 % and 12 %, respectively. Punctate Cx43 reaction was detected in vertical tumour nests in 69 % of naevi, while only 11 % of melanomas proved positive and showed cytoplasmic Cx43 delocalization.