Figure 2.

Deletion of connexin expression in the lens increased cataract formation induced by H₂O₂ and UVB

(A) The lenses of WT, Cx50KO, and Cx46KO mice were dissected and kept transparent in culture media for 24 h at 37°C before being treated with different concentrations (0, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 mM) of H₂O₂. The lens opacity was measured with a treatment of 0.5 mM H₂O₂ (lower panel). Images were taken at identical magnification using a dissecting microscope. The data are presented as the mean ± SEM. (n ≥ 3). ∗∗, p < 0.01; ∗∗∗, p < 0.001; ∗∗∗∗, p < 0.0001 (One-way ANOVA).

(B) WT, Cx50KO, and Cx46KO lens were treated with different intensities (0, 2, 10, and 20 J/cm²) of UVB radiation. The lens intensity was measured with 10 J/cm² UVB radiation (lower panel). The data are presented as the mean ± SEM. (n ≥ 3). ∗, p < 0.05; ∗∗∗, p < 0.001 (One-way ANOVA).