[The role of myosin light chain kinase in intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction due to hypoxia].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study the role of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction after hypoxia.

METHODS:

The Caco-2 monolayers developed with Transwell inserts were exposed to hypoxia for 0 h (NC group), 2, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h (H group), and 6 h hypoxic specimens were treated with 100 mol/L ML-9 (T group). The transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of monolayers was measured with an ohmmeter. The tight junction protein ZO-1 of monolayers was analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The protein expressions of phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) and MLCK were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS:

The TER of monolayers in H group at 6, 8, 12 and 24 h was 422 +/- 17, 427 +/- 27, 403 +/- 40 and 426 +/- 22 ohms respectively, which was significantly lower than that of NC group (451 +/- 27 ohms, P < 0.05). The TER of monolayers in T group was 558 +/- 110 ohms, which was significantly higher than that in H group at each time point ( P < 0.01). The ZO-1 of monolayers in H group at 6 h was irregular in arrangement, with interruptions and rugae, and sawtooth. These abnormalities were ameliorated in T group (regular in arrangement, with little or without ruga and sawtooth). The protein expressions of p-MLC and MLCK in H group at each time point were higher than those in NC group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction after hypoxia can be mediated by MLCK.

• Authors: Pei Wang, Chuan-li Chen, Mu Li, Feng-jun Wang
• Journal: Zhonghua shao shang za zhi = Zhonghua shaoshang zazhi = Chinese journal of burns (Zhonghua Shao Shang Za Zhi) Vol. 25 Issue 1 Pg. 57-60 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1009-2587 [Print] China
• PMID: 19588764 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Myosin Light Chains
• Myosin-Light-Chain Kinase

Topics

• Caco-2 Cells
• Epithelium (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Hypoxia (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Intestinal Absorption
• Intestinal Mucosa (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Intestines (cytology, physiopathology)
• Myosin Light Chains (metabolism)
• Myosin-Light-Chain Kinase (metabolism)