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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

An Epithelial Abrasion Model for Studying Corneal Wound Healing

An Epithelial Abrasion Model for Studying Corneal Wound Healing

Published on: December 29, 2021

Vitamin D enhances corneal epithelial barrier function.

Zhaohong Yin¹, Victorina Pintea, Yanping Lin

¹Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

|July 1, 2011

Summary

Vitamin D metabolites, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), enhance corneal epithelial barrier function. Corneas express the necessary vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1α-hydroxylase enzymes for this effect.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 31, 2026

An Epithelial Abrasion Model for Studying Corneal Wound Healing

An Epithelial Abrasion Model for Studying Corneal Wound Healing

Published on: December 29, 2021

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Endocrinology
Cell Biology

Background:

The corneal epithelium serves as a critical barrier against external insults.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including immune modulation and cell differentiation.
The presence and function of vitamin D metabolites within the cornea are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25(OH)D(3)) and its active metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) in modulating corneal epithelial barrier function.
To determine the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1α-hydroxylase mRNA in corneal tissues.
To measure vitamin D metabolite concentrations in ocular fluids.

Main Methods:

Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was employed to detect VDR and 1α-hydroxylase mRNA in human, rabbit, and mouse corneal epithelial cells.
Vitamin D metabolites in aqueous and vitreous humor were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Corneal epithelial barrier function was assessed by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and inulin permeability (IP) in cultured corneal epithelial monolayers.

Main Results:

Corneal epithelial cells from all species tested expressed VDR and 1α-hydroxylase mRNA.
Various vitamin D metabolites were detected in the aqueous and vitreous humor.
Treatment with 25(OH)D(3) and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) significantly increased TER, decreased IP, and elevated occludin protein levels in corneal epithelial cells.

Conclusions:

Corneal tissues possess the necessary machinery, including VDR and 1α-hydroxylase, to metabolize and respond to vitamin D.
Both 25(OH)D(3) and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) demonstrably enhance the integrity and function of the corneal epithelial barrier.
These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for vitamin D metabolites in managing ocular surface diseases characterized by barrier dysfunction.