Abstract
Purpose :
Corneal epithelial cells serve the critical function of providing a strong barrier to provide protection against pathogens. Clinical evidence has shown that ocular surface barrier function is significantly impaired in patients with diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of high glucose exposure on corneal epithelial cell migration, proliferation and barrier functions.
Methods :
Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells were exposed to high glucose (15 mM and 30 mM) for 24 hours and 72 hours. A separate group of cells was exposed to mannitol (15 mM and 30 mM) as a control for osmotic effects. The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured using chopstick method. The corneal epithelial permeability was assessed using fluorescein permeation. Corneal epithelial cell migration and proliferation was tested using scratch assay and MTT assay respectively.
Results :
Exposure of corneal epithelial cells to 15 mM and 30 mM glucose caused a significant decrease in TEER (16-34%). The 15 mM glucose caused no notable effect on corneal epithelial cell proliferation, but 30 mM glucose significantly increased the cell proliferation. Lastly, neither 15 mM glucose nor 30 mM glucose exposure caused any notable change in cellular migration of corneal epithelial cells.
Conclusions :
Based on our results it can be concluded that high glucose significantly decreases corneal epithelial barrier function but it is not likely mediated by altered corneal epithelial cellular proliferation or migration.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.