Fig. 3: The disruptive effects of IL-9 on ocular surface epithelial barrier in Balb/c mice in vivo and in primarily HCECs in vitro.
From: IL-33/ST2/IL-9/IL-9R signaling disrupts ocular surface barrier in allergic inflammation
The ocular surface of Balb/c mice was topically challenged by different concentration (0–50 ng/ml) rmIL-9 three times each day for 3 days. The ocular surface clinical signs were observed through the slit lamp microscope (a). OGD staining in the cornea was carried out and scored (**P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001, compared with PBS control) (b, c). ZO-1, claudin 1, occludin, and E-cadherin were detected in the corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells through whole-mount IF staining with quantification (d, e). The structures of ZO-1, claudin 1, occludin, and E-cadherin were shown in HCECs treated by 10 ng/ml rhIL-9 for 48 h (f, g). Results shown are the mean ± SD (n = 5). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, compared with PBS controls. Bar: 20 μm.
