Changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in rabbits lens epithelial cells induced by low power density microwave radiation.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the changes in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by low power density microwave radiation in rabbits lens epithelial cells (LECs) and its mechanisms.


METHODS
Rabbits' eyes were exposed to 5 mW/cm(2) and 10 mW/cm(2) power densities of microwave radiation for 3 hours. The fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching (FRAP) method was used to determine the GJIC. The localization and function of connexin 43 in LECs was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy.


RESULTS
The GJIC of rabbits LECs was inhibited by microwave radiation especially in the 10 mW/cm(2) irradiated samples. A decrease in connexin 43-positive staining was seen in 5 mW/cm(2) x 3 h treated LECs. Intracellular space accumulation and cytoplasmic internalization were clearly demonstrated in 10 mW/cm(2) group.


CONCLUSIONS
Low power densities microwave radiation (5 mW/cm(2) and 10 mW/cm(2)) induces damage to connexin 43 and inhibits the GJIC of rabbits LECs. These changes result in an osmotic imbalance within the lens and induce early cataract. 5 mW/cm(2) or 10 mW/cm(2) microwave radiation is cataractogenic.
Ye
Juan
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Yao
Ke
K
Zeng
Qunli
Q
Lu
Deqiang
D
D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000032:analysis; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000528:radiation effects; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits
D018031:Connexin 43