Changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in rabbits lens epithelial cells induced by low power density microwave radiation.

Ye J, Yao K, Zeng Q, Lu D

hin Med J (Engl) 115(12):1873-1876, 2002

Ye J, Yao

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the changes in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by low power density microwave radiation in rabbits lens epithelial cells (LECs) and its mechanisms.

METHODS: Rabbits' eyes were exposed to 5 mW/cm² and 10 mW/cm² power densities of microwave radiation for 3 hours. The fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching (FRAP) method was used to determine the GJIC. The localization and function of connexin 43 in LECs was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy.

RESULTS: The GJIC of rabbits LECs was inhibited by microwave radiation especially in the 10 mW/cm² irradiated samples. A decrease in connexin 43-positive staining was seen in 5 mW/cm² x 3 h treated LECs. Intracellular space accumulation and cytoplasmic internalization were clearly demonstrated in 10 mW/cm² group.

CONCLUSIONS: Low power densities microwave radiation (5 mW/cm² and 10 mW/cm²) induces damage to connexin 43 and inhibits the GJIC of rabbits LECs. These changes result in an osmotic imbalance within the lens and induce early cataract. 5 mW/cm² or 10 mW/cm² microwave radiation is cataractogenic.