Vitamin D enhances corneal epithelial barrier function.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25(OH)D(3)) and/or its active metabolite, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)), can enhance corneal epithelial barrier function. The authors also determined if corneas contain mRNA for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1α-hydroxylase, the enzyme required to convert 25(OH)D(3) to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), and measured vitamin D metabolite concentrations in aqueous and vitreous humor.

Methods

RT-PCR was used to examine mouse, rabbit, and human corneal epithelial VDR and 1α-hydroxylase mRNA. Vitamin D metabolites were measured using a selective vitamin D derivatizing agent and mass spectroscopy. Barrier function experiments were performed by measuring inulin permeability (IP) and/or transepithelia

SUBMITTER: Yin Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3183972 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature