Contribution of p38 MAPK, NF-κB and glucocorticoid signaling pathways to ER stress-induced increase in retinal endothelial permeability

► ER stress inducers increased retinal endothelial permeability. ► ER stress inducers down-regulated claudin-5 among tight junction proteins. ► p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways contribute to the regulation of claudin-5. ► Dexamethasone-GR complex contributes to strengthen the endothelial tight junction.