title: Cell adhesion molecule expression in human lens epithelial cells after corticosteroid exposure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to investigate changes in cell adhesion molecule expression in human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) subjected to glucocorticoids.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human lens epithelial cells were exposed to different concentrations of dexamethasone for 24 hours. Cell adhesion molecule expression was studied by western blot and immunohistochemistry of vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, α-catenin, β-catenin and γ-catenin. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was also studied. Cell morphology was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expression of N-cadherin, α-catenin, β-catenin and GR was significantly decreased in dexamethasone exposed cells as compared to unexposed cells. No significant change in γ-catenin was present. Visualization of adhesion molecules, N-cadherin and α-catenin, by immunohistochemistry showed decreased antigen reactivity in dexamethasone exposed as compared to the unexposed cells. However, no change was seen for β-catenin and γ-catenin. E-cadherin was not detectable using western blot or immunohistochemistry. TEM showed multilayering of cells, vacuole formation and appearance of electron-dense multivesicular bodies in HLEC exposed to 0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 αM dexamethasone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Glucocorticoids affect several adhesion molecules in lens epithelial cells, something that may contribute to the pathogenesis of posterior subcapsular opacification.
authors: Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation/Ophthalmology.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Celojevic
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Carlsson
authors: Br
authors: B
authors: Johansson
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Nannmark
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Petersen