Fig. 5.
Nrf2 enhances barrier function of airway epithelial cells. A: Nqo1 gene expression, as a marker of Nrf2 activity, was measured in epithelial cell monolayers of Tam-Keap1−/− and Keap1fl/fl mice that were treated with Tam before harvesting of tracheas. B: after cells formed a confluent monolayer [confirmed by stable transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) readings], TEER was measured across the monolayer daily for 5 days, and the average of all days was represented as a single replicate. C: FITC-dextran was added to the apical side of the confluent monolayer, and paracellular diffusion was quantified after 20 min. D: Zo-1 localization was measured by immunofluorescence. E: TEER was measured in Keap1fl/fl and CC10-Keap1−/− epithelial monolayers. Values are means ± SE; N = 6 mice per group. *P < 0.05 by Student's t-test.