Fig. 4

The expression of Zo 1, Claudin 2, or Occludin was downregulated in PIECs exposed to TNF-α. a PIECs were treated with rhTNF-α (20 ng/ml) for 0, 2, 6, 12 or 24 h. The mRNA levels of indicated genes were measured by RT-PCR. b PIECs were treated with rhTNF-α (20 ng/ml) for 0, 12, or 24 h. Lysates were analyzed by western-blotting with antibodies against Occludin, Zo 1, Claudin 2, and actin. Data are representative of at least three independent experiments (mean ± SEM). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001 by Student’s t test