FEBS Letters 2009-06-18

Up-regulation of ZO-1 expression and barrier function in cultured human corneal epithelial cells by substance P.

Ji-Ae Ko, Ryoji Yanai, Teruo Nishida

Index: FEBS Lett. 583(12) , 2148-53, (2009)

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Abstract

The effects of the sensory neurotransmitter substance P on the expression of tight junction proteins and on barrier function in human corneal epithelial cells were investigated. The expression of ZO-1, but not that of occludin or claudin-1, was increased by substance P in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This effect was inhibited by the NK-1 receptor antagonist GR82334 and by KN62, an inhibitor of Ca(2+)- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Substance P also increased the transepithelial electrical resistance of a cell monolayer in a manner sensitive to GR82334. Substance P may therefore play a role in maintenance of tight junctions in the corneal epithelium.