April 2014
Volume 55, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   April 2014
Effects of Interferon-alpha2a on the expression of tight junctions in ARPE-19 cells
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Alex Fonollosa
    Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Bilbao, Spain
    Grupo Oftalmobiologia Experiemental, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Bilbao, Spain
  • Joseba Artaraz
    Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Bilbao, Spain
  • Maria Valcarcel
    Grupo Oftalmobiologia Experiemental, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Bilbao, Spain
  • Clarisa Salado
    Grupo Oftalmobiologia Experiemental, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Bilbao, Spain
  • Elena Vecino
    Grupo Oftalmobiologia Experiemental, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Bilbao, Spain
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships Alex Fonollosa, None; Joseba Artaraz, None; Maria Valcarcel, None; Clarisa Salado, None; Elena Vecino, None
  • Footnotes
    Support None
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science April 2014, Vol.55, 99. doi:
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      Alex Fonollosa, Joseba Artaraz, Maria Valcarcel, Clarisa Salado, Elena Vecino; Effects of Interferon-alpha2a on the expression of tight junctions in ARPE-19 cells. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2014;55(13):99.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Purpose: Interferon alpha-2a has been reported to be effective for the treatment of macular edema secondary to uveitis. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect are not completely understood. Our hypothesis is that this cytokine may play a role in the regulation of blood retinal barrier permeability. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of Interferon alpha-2a on the expression of Zonula Occludens-1 and Occludin in ARPE-19 cells.

Methods: ARPE-19 cells were exposed to vascular endothelial growth factor on the one hand and were cultured in hypoxic conditions in the other hand (hyperpermeability models). Expression of Zonula Occludens-1 and Occludin was assessed by immunochemistry studies and by real time PCR in both situations (1.VEGF treatment and 2. hypoxic conditions) before and after exposing the cells to Interferon alpha-2a.

Results: Immunochemistry studies: vascular endothelial growth factor decreased the expression of Occludin and Zonula Occludens-1 (p<0.001 and p<0.001); hypoxia did the same (p<0.001 and p<0.001); Interferon alpha -2a increased the expression of Occludin in both hyperpermability models (p<0.001 and p<0.001). However, we did not observe any effect on Zonula Occludens-1 expression (p=0.14 and p=0.32). Real time PCR studies: VEGF decreased the expression of Occludin and Zonula Oclucdens-1 (p=0.012 and p=0.03); hypoxia did the same (p=0.006 and p=0.013); Interferon alpha -2a increased the expression of Occludin in both hyperpermability models (p=0.02 and p=0.01). However, we did not observe any effect on Zonula Occludens-1 expression (p=0.26 and p=0.19).

Conclusions: Interferon alpha-2a increases the expression of Occludin, an important component of the tight junctions, in ARPE-19 cells. An increased expression of Occludin may contribute to decrease permeability through the outer blood retinal barrier. Our findings provide a rationale for using this cytokine as a therapeutical option in uveitic macular edema.

Keywords: 688 retina • 490 cytokines/chemokines • 555 immunomodulation/immunoregulation  
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