Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To examine whether mucin gene expression is influenced by steroid hormones in cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). The effects of dexamethasone on the expression of MUC1 and MUC4, two known mucins produced by corneal epithelial cells were determined. Methods:HCECs were cultured in medium supplemented with dexamethasone. The modulations of MUC1 and MUC4 expression by dexamethasone were investigated by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Results:The expression of MUC1 mRNA and its protein were enhanced in HCECs by dexamethasone. However, treatment of HCECs with dexamethasone caused a decrease in MUC4 mRNA and its protein. The effects of dexamethasone were abolished by a glucocorticoid antagonist (RU486). Conclusion:Steroid hormones appear to be implicated in the expression of mucin in HCECs. This study supports this role of glucocorticoid and furthermore suggests that glucocorticoid receptors may be an important way in the induction of its expression. Thus, steroids could be a component of the process that causes the modulation of mucin in corneal epithelial cells.
Keywords: 376 cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • 421 glycoconjugates/glycoproteins • 377 corticosteroids