Effects of phenol on barrier function of a human intestinal epithelial cell line correlate with altered tight junction protein localization.

ABSTRACT: Phenol contamination of soil and water has raised concerns among people living near phenol-producing factories and hazardous waste sites containing the chemical. Phenol, particularly in high concentrations, is an irritating and corrosive substance, making mucosal membranes targets of toxicity in humans. However, few data on the effects of phenol after oral exposure exist. We used an in vitro model employing human intestinal epithelial cells (SK-CO15) cultured on permeable supports to examine effects of phenol on epithelial barrier function. We hypothesized that phenol disrupts epithelial barrier by altering tight junction (TJ) protein expression. The dose-response effect of phenol on epithelial barrier function was determined using transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and FITC-dextr

SUBMITTER: McCall IC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2877281 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature