Efflux Transporters (efflux + transporter)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Kinds of Efflux Transporters

  • drug efflux transporter


  • Selected Abstracts


    Upregulation of Brain Expression of P-Glycoprotein in MRP2-deficient TR - Rats Resembles Seizure-induced Up-regulation of This Drug Efflux Transporter in Normal Rats

    EPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2007
    Katrin Hoffmann
    Summary:,Purpose: The multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) is a drug efflux transporter that is expressed predominantly at the apical domain of hepatocytes but seems also to be expressed at the apical membrane of brain capillary endothelial cells that form the blood,brain barrier (BBB). MRP2 is absent in the transport-deficient (TR,) Wistar rat mutant, so that this rat strain was very helpful in defining substrates of MRP2 by comparing tissue concentrations or functional activities of compounds in MRP2-deficient rats with those in transport-competent Wistar rats. By using this strategy to study the involvement of MRP2 in brain access of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), we recently reported that phenytoin is a substrate for MRP2 in the BBB. However, one drawback of such studies in genetically deficient rats is the fact that compensatory changes with upregulation of other transporters can occur. This prompted us to study the brain expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a major drug efflux transporter in many tissues, including the BBB, in TR, rats compared with nonmutant (wild-type) Wistar rats. Methods: The expression of MRP2 and Pgp in brain and liver sections of TR, rats and normal Wistar rats was determined with immunohistochemistry, by using a novel, highly selective monoclonal MRP2 antibody and the monoclonal Pgp antibody C219, respectively. Results: Immunofluorescence staining with the MRP2 antibody was found to label a high number of microvessels throughout the brain in normal Wistar rats, whereas such labeling was absent in TR, rats. TR, rats exhibited a significant up-regulation of Pgp in brain capillary endothelial cells compared with wild-type controls. No such obvious upregulation of Pgp was observed in liver sections. A comparable overexpression of Pgp in the BBB was obtained after pilocarpine-induced seizures in wild-type Wistar rats. Experiments with systemic administration of the Pgp substrate phenobarbital and the selective Pgp inhibitor tariquidar in TR, rats substantiated that Pgp is functional and compensates for the lack of MRP2 in the BBB. Conclusions: The data on TR, rats indicate that Pgp plays an important role in the compensation of MRP2 deficiency in the BBB. Because such a compensatory mechanism most likely occurs to reduce injury to the brain from cytotoxic compounds, the present data substantiate the concept that MRP2 performs a protective role in the BBB. Furthermore, our data suggest that TR, rats are an interesting tool to study consequences of overexpression of Pgp in the BBB on access of drugs in the brain, without the need of inducing seizures or other Pgp-enhancing events for this purpose. [source]


    Distribution of saquinavir, methadone, and buprenorphine in maternal brain, placenta, and fetus during two different gestational stages of pregnancy in mice

    JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 8 2009
    Lisa D. Coles
    Abstract Efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) play a critical role in the maternal-to-fetal and blood-to-brain transfer of many drugs. Using a mouse model, the effects of gestational age on P-gp and MRP expression in the placenta and brain were evaluated. P-gp protein levels in the placenta and brain were greater at mid-gestation (gd 13) than late-gestation (gd 18). Likewise, brain MRP1 levels were greater at mid-gestation, whereas, placental levels were greater at late-gestation. To evaluate these effects on drug disposition, concentrations of [3H]saquinavir, [3H]methadone, [3H]buprenorphine, and the paracellular marker, [14C]mannitol were measured in plasma, brain, placenta, and fetal samples after i.v. administrations to nonpregnant and pregnant mice. Following i.v. administration, [3H]saquinavir placenta-to-plasma and fetal-to-plasma ratios were significantly greater in late-gestation mice versus mid-gestation. Furthermore, late-gestation mice experienced significant increases in the [3H]saquinavir and [3H]methadone brain-to-plasma ratios 60 min after dosing relative to mid-gestation (p,<,0.05). No significant differences were observed in these tissue-to-plasma ratios for buprenorphine or mannitol. Repeated dosing (three doses, once daily) decreased the differential uptake of [3H]saquinavir in brain but potentiated it in the fetus. These results suggest that differential expression of P-gp and possibly MRP1 contributes to the gestational-induced changes in brain and fetal uptake of saquinavir. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:2832,2846, 2009 [source]


    Upregulation of Brain Expression of P-Glycoprotein in MRP2-deficient TR - Rats Resembles Seizure-induced Up-regulation of This Drug Efflux Transporter in Normal Rats

    EPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2007
    Katrin Hoffmann
    Summary:,Purpose: The multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) is a drug efflux transporter that is expressed predominantly at the apical domain of hepatocytes but seems also to be expressed at the apical membrane of brain capillary endothelial cells that form the blood,brain barrier (BBB). MRP2 is absent in the transport-deficient (TR,) Wistar rat mutant, so that this rat strain was very helpful in defining substrates of MRP2 by comparing tissue concentrations or functional activities of compounds in MRP2-deficient rats with those in transport-competent Wistar rats. By using this strategy to study the involvement of MRP2 in brain access of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), we recently reported that phenytoin is a substrate for MRP2 in the BBB. However, one drawback of such studies in genetically deficient rats is the fact that compensatory changes with upregulation of other transporters can occur. This prompted us to study the brain expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a major drug efflux transporter in many tissues, including the BBB, in TR, rats compared with nonmutant (wild-type) Wistar rats. Methods: The expression of MRP2 and Pgp in brain and liver sections of TR, rats and normal Wistar rats was determined with immunohistochemistry, by using a novel, highly selective monoclonal MRP2 antibody and the monoclonal Pgp antibody C219, respectively. Results: Immunofluorescence staining with the MRP2 antibody was found to label a high number of microvessels throughout the brain in normal Wistar rats, whereas such labeling was absent in TR, rats. TR, rats exhibited a significant up-regulation of Pgp in brain capillary endothelial cells compared with wild-type controls. No such obvious upregulation of Pgp was observed in liver sections. A comparable overexpression of Pgp in the BBB was obtained after pilocarpine-induced seizures in wild-type Wistar rats. Experiments with systemic administration of the Pgp substrate phenobarbital and the selective Pgp inhibitor tariquidar in TR, rats substantiated that Pgp is functional and compensates for the lack of MRP2 in the BBB. Conclusions: The data on TR, rats indicate that Pgp plays an important role in the compensation of MRP2 deficiency in the BBB. Because such a compensatory mechanism most likely occurs to reduce injury to the brain from cytotoxic compounds, the present data substantiate the concept that MRP2 performs a protective role in the BBB. Furthermore, our data suggest that TR, rats are an interesting tool to study consequences of overexpression of Pgp in the BBB on access of drugs in the brain, without the need of inducing seizures or other Pgp-enhancing events for this purpose. [source]


    Modulation of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in Staphylococcus aureus by Osha (Ligusticum porteri L., Apiaceae) essential oil compounds

    FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2005
    Pascale Cégiéla-Carlioz
    Abstract In a continuing project to characterize natural compounds with activity as modulators of MDR in Staphyloccocus aureus, Osha essential oil and extracts were evaluated. The aim of this work was to identify the active components as MDR modulators in the oil from the roots of Ligusticum porteri Coulter & Rose (Apiaceae). This essential oil was obtained by steam distillation or by solvent extraction and analysed by gas chromatography,mass spectrometry. Forty-two components were identified. Sabinyl acetate (1) (56.6%), (Z)-ligustilide (2) (12.9%) and sabinol (3) (3.3%) were the major components of water-distilled essential oil, while (Z)-ligustilide (2) (39.1%), sabinyl acetate (1) (34.6%) and 4-terpinyl acetate (4) (3.1%) were the major components of the dichloromethane extract. At a concentration of 100 µg/ml, the oil from hydrodistillation caused a two-fold potentiation, and the oil from solvent extraction caused a four-fold potentiation of the activity of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic norfloxacin against a norfloxacin-resistant strain possessing the NorA MDR efflux transporter, the major chromosomal drug pump in this pathogen. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Cetirizine in horses: pharmacokinetics and effect of ivermectin pretreatment

    JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2007
    L. OLSÉN
    The pharmacokinetics of the histamine H1 -antagonist cetirizine and the effects of pretreatment with the antiparasitic macrocyclic lactone ivermectin on the pharmacokinetics of cetirizine were studied in horses. After oral administration of cetirizine at 0.2 mg/kg bw, the mean terminal half-life was 3.4 h (range 2.9,3.7 h) and the maximal plasma concentration 132 ng/mL (101,196 ng/mL). The time to reach maximal plasma concentration was 0.7 h (0.5,0.8 h). Ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg bw) given orally 1.5 h before cetirizine did not affect its pharmacokinetics. However, ivermectin pretreatment 12 h before cetirizine increased the area under the plasma concentration,time curve by 60%. The maximal plasma concentration, terminal half-life and mean residence time also increased significantly following the 12 h pretreatment. Ivermectin is an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein, which is a major drug efflux transporter in cellular membranes at various sites. The elevated plasma levels of cetirizine following the pretreatment with ivermectin may mainly be due to decreased renal secretion, related to inhibition of the P-glycoprotein in the proximal tubular cells of the kidney. The pharmacokinetic properties of cetirizine have characteristics which are suitable for an antihistamine, and this substance may be a useful drug in horses. [source]


    Differential pharmacological regulation of drug efflux and pharmacoresistant schizophrenia

    BIOESSAYS, Issue 2 2008
    Mary Bebawy
    Pharmacoresistant schizophrenia is a significant impediment to the successful management of the disease. The expression and function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has recently been implicated in this phenomenon. P-gp is a multidrug efflux transporter that prevents drug substrates from crossing the blood,brain barrier (BBB). Although the direct interaction between individual antipsychotic agents and P-gp has been demonstrated, the effect of antipsychotic drug combinations used in disease management on P-gp transport function remains to be elucidated. This could have important clinical implications in some individuals as dosage adjustments based on plasma drug concentration changes may not always be appropriate if drug,drug interactions and the resulting changes in drug concentration in the brain are not considered. This paper introduces the potential impact that combination antipsychotic therapy may have on P-gp function at the BBB and discusses the consequences of this in the prevention and circumvention of unfavourable therapeutic response in schizophrenic disorders. BioEssays 30:183,188, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


    Increase in multidrug transport activity is associated with oocyte maturation in sea stars,

    DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 9 2006
    Troy A. Roepke
    In this study, we report on the presence of efflux transporter activity before oocyte maturation in sea stars and its upregulation after maturation. This activity is similar to the multidrug resistance (MDR) activity mediated by ATP binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters. In sea star oocytes the efflux activity, as measured by exclusion of calcein-am, increased two-fold 3 h post-maturation. Experiments using specific and non-specific dyes and inhibitors demonstrated that the increase in transporter activity involves an ABCB protein, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and an ABCC protein similar to the MDR-associated protein (MRP)-like transporters. Western blots using an antibody directed against mammalian P-gp recognized a 45 kDa protein in sea star oocytes that increased in abundance during maturation. An antibody directed against sea urchin ABCC proteins (MRP) recognized three proteins in immature oocytes and two in mature oocytes. Experiments using inhibitors suggest that translation and microtubule function are both required for post-maturation increases in transporter activity. Immunolabeling revealed translocation of stored ABCB proteins to the plasma cell membrane during maturation, and this translocation coincided with increased transport activity. These MDR transporters serve protective roles in oocytes and eggs, as demonstrated by sensitization of the oocytes to the maturation inhibitor, vinblastine, by MRP and PGP-specific transporter inhibitors. [source]


    Organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporter family and drug disposition

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2003
    R. B. Kim
    Abstract Drug transporters are increasingly recognized as a key determinant of drug disposition. Recent studies have revealed that targeted expression of drug uptake and efflux transporters to specific cell membrane domains allows for the efficient directional movement of many drugs in clinical use. While the role of certain efflux transporters such as MDR1 (P-glycoprotein) in drug disposition has been extensively studied, emerging evidence suggests that uptake transporters may also be important to the intestinal absorption and renal or hepatic elimination of drugs. Members of the organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) family of drug uptake transporters have been found capable of transporting a large array of structurally divergent drugs. Moreover, expression of OATP isoforms in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney, as well as at the level of the blood,brain barrier, has important implications for our understanding of the factors governing drug absorption, elimination and tissue penetration. [source]


    K+ fluxes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

    FEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003
    Fernando Calero
    Abstract All living cells accumulate high concentrations of K+ in order to keep themselves alive. To this end they have developed a great diversity of transporters. The internal level of K+ is the result of the net balance between the activities of the K+ influx and the K+ efflux transporters. Potassium fluxes have been extensively studied and characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, this is not the case in the fission yeast and, in addition, the information available indicates that both yeasts present substantial and interesting differences. In this paper we have reviewed and summarized the information on K+ fluxes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We have included some unpublished results recently obtained in our laboratory and, in particular, we have highlighted the significant differences found between the well-known yeast S. cerevisiae and the fission yeast Sch. pombe. [source]


    Stereoselective renal tubular secretion of levocetirizine and dextrocetirizine, the two enantiomers of the H1 -antihistamine cetirizine

    FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
    M. Strolin Benedetti
    Abstract Competition for uptake and/or efflux transporters can be responsible for drug interactions. Cetirizine is mainly eliminated unchanged in urine through both glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the eutomer, levocetirizine, and the distomer, dextrocetirizine, have a similar tubular secretion. The renal clearance associated with tubular secretion was calculated from the renal clearance of levocetirizine and dextrocetirizine obtained in a study in healthy volunteers. The values of the unbound fraction in plasma were obtained in an in vitro study of the binding of 14C-cetirizine and 14C-levocetirizine to human plasma proteins using equilibrium dialysis and chiral high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with on-line liquid scintillation counting. The unbound fraction was 0.074 for levocetirizine and 0.141 for dextrocetirizine. The tubular secretion of dextrocetirizine (44.5 mL/min) is higher than that of levocetirizine (23.1 mL/min), which may have consequences for drug interactions at the renal level. The higher tubular secretion for dextrocetirizine may be due to the higher free fraction available for secretion or to a higher affinity for (a) renal transporter(s) mediating the secretion pathway. [source]


    Effluxing ABC transporters in human corneal epithelium

    JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 2 2010
    Kati-Sisko Vellonen
    Abstract ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are able to efflux their substrate drugs from the cells. We compared expression of efflux proteins in normal human corneal epithelial tissue, primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCEpiC), and corneal epithelial cell culture model (HCE model) based on human immortal cell line. Expression of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1,6 (MRP1,6) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) was studied using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Only MRP1, MRP5, and BCRP were expressed in the freshly excised human corneal epithelial tissue. Expression of MRP1 and MRP5 was localized predominantly in the basal cells of the central cornea and limbus. Functional efflux activity was shown in the cell models, but they showed over-expression of most efflux transporters compared to that of normal corneal epithelium. In conclusion, MRP1, MRP5, and BCRP are expressed in the corneal epithelium, but MDR1, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, and MRP6 are not significantly expressed. HCE cell model and commercially available primary cells deviate from this expression profile. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99:1087,1098, 2010 [source]


    The species differences of intestinal drug absorption and first-pass metabolism between cynomolgus monkeys and humans

    JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 11 2009
    Masayuki Takahashi
    Abstract In order to elucidate the causes of the species differences in the oral bioavailability (BA) between cynomolgus monkeys and humans, the contributions of first-pass metabolism and intestinal absorption were investigated. Typical substrates of cytochrome P450 enzymes, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes and efflux transporters were selected, and the BA, the hepatic availability (Fh) and the fraction dose absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract (Fa*Fg) were calculated from pharmacokinetic analysis after oral and intravenous administration in cynomolgus monkeys. In addition, in vitro metabolism was investigated using liver and intestinal microsomes to evaluate the relationship between in vivo and in vitro results. The BA of cynomolgus monkeys was low compared with that in humans with most of the drugs tested, and not only Fh but also Fa*Fg contributed significantly to the low BA in cynomolgus monkeys. When Fh was evaluated in in vitro experiments, it correlated well with the in vivo Fh. However, although the metabolic activities of CYP3A4 substrates were high in cynomolgus monkey intestinal microsomes, those of the other substrates were low or not detected. These findings suggested that the species differences and low BA in cynomolgus monkeys could be mostly attributed not only to hepatic first-pass metabolism but also to the intestinal absorption process. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:4343,4353, 2009 [source]


    In Vivo use of the P450 inactivator 1-aminobenzotriazole in the rat: Varied dosing route to elucidate gut and liver contributions to first-pass and systemic clearance

    JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2006
    Timothy J. Strelevitz
    Abstract The small intestine is regarded as an absorptive organ in the uptake of orally administered drugs, but also has the ability to metabolize drugs by both phase 1 and phase 2 reactions. The amount of drug that reaches the systemic circulation can be reduced by both intestinal and hepatic metabolism. 1-Aminobenzotriazole (ABT) is an irreversible inhibitor of cytochrome P450s. Through in vivo and in vitro studies, ABT has been evaluated for its utility in studying intestinal metabolism in rats. Rats have been exposed to ABT through varied routes of administration followed by p.o. and i.v. administration of midazolam (MDZ), a CYP3A substrate. The MDZ bioavailablity in rats dosed orally and in rats dosed intravenously with ABT is 58.5% and 0.7%, respectively (%F,=,2.3% w/o ABT). The approximately 80-fold difference between the two groups suggests the majority of the extraction occurs in the intestine following an oral dose. To further study the utility of ABT, the antihistamine fexofenadine (Fex), which is not significantly metabolized and is a substrate for the uptake and efflux transporters, OATP and P-gp, was tested in rat. There was no change in oral or systemic exposure of Fex when animals were predosed with ABT, suggesting that ABT does not affect these transporters. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the interdependent role of absorption and metabolism and the specificity of ABT. This method should have utility in drug discovery for the identification of factors limiting oral bioavailability. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 95:1334,1341, 2006 [source]


    Involvement of breast cancer resistance protein expression on rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue macrophages in resistance to methotrexate and leflunomide

    ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 3 2009
    Joost W. van der Heijden
    Objective To determine whether multidrug-resistance efflux transporters are expressed on immune effector cells in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compromise the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) and leflunomide (LEF). Methods Synovial tissue biopsy samples obtained from RA patients before treatment and 4 months after starting treatment with MTX (n = 17) or LEF (n = 13) were examined by immunohistochemical staining and digital image analysis for the expression of the drug efflux transporters P-glycoprotein, multidrug resistance,associated protein 1 (MRP-1) through MRP-5, MRP-8, MRP-9, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and the relationship to clinical efficacy of MTX and LEF was assessed. Results BCRP expression was observed in all RA synovial biopsy samples, both pretreatment and posttreatment, but not in control noninflammatory synovial tissue samples from orthopedic patients. BCRP expression was found both in the intimal lining layer and on macrophages and endothelial cells in the synovial sublining. Total numbers of macrophages in RA patients decreased upon treatment; in biopsy samples with persistently high macrophage counts, 2-fold higher BCRP expression was observed. Furthermore, median BCRP expression was significantly increased (3-fold) in nonresponders to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) compared with responders to DMARDs (P = 0.048). Low expression of MRP-1 was found on synovial macrophages, along with moderate expression in T cell areas of synovial biopsy specimens from one-third of the RA patients. Conclusion These findings show that the drug resistance,related proteins BCRP and MRP-1 are expressed on inflammatory cells in RA synovial tissue. Since MTX is a substrate for both BCRP and MRP-1, and LEF is a high-affinity substrate for BCRP, these transporters may contribute to reduced therapeutic efficacy of these DMARDs. [source]


    Transport characteristics of candesartan in human intestinal Caco-2 cell line

    BIOPHARMACEUTICS AND DRUG DISPOSITION, Issue 5 2009
    Lingjie Zhou
    Abstract The intestinal absorptive characteristics and the efflux mechanisms of candesartan (CDS), a novel angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, were investigated. The Caco-2 cells were used as models of the intestinal mucosa to assess uptake and transport of CDS. The determination of CDS was performed by HPLC-Flu. In the Caco-2 cells, the uptake and absorptive transport of CDS were pH-independent (in the pH range 6.0,8.0). Passive membrane diffusion dominates the absorptive transport behavior of CDS across Caco-2 cells, while secretory transport was a concentration-dependent and saturable process. In the presence of cyclosporin A and verapamil, potent inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the Pratio decreased from 3.8 to 2.3 and 1.8, respectively, and permeation of apical to basolateral was enhanced. Overall, the current study suggests that efflux transporters are capable of mediating the absorption and secretion of CDS, and they may play significant roles in limiting the oral absorption of CDS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Cultured CD4T cells and primary human lymphocytes express hOATPs: intracellular accumulation of saquinavir and lopinavir

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
    O Janneh
    Background and purpose: Drug efflux tranporters (P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)) limit the cellular uptake of human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors but the contribution of influx transporters in cells that (over)express P-gp or MRP is less clear. Here, we studied the expression of one influx transporter system, human organic anion-transporting polypeptide (hOATP), in some T-cell lines (CEM, CEMVBL, CEME1000) and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and examined the effects of manipulation of influx/efflux transporters on the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir. Experimental approach: The expression of hOATPs was studied by PCR. We used hOATP substrate or inhibitor (estrone-3-sulphate (E-3-S) or montelukast, respectively) and inhibitors of P-gp (XR9576) and MRP (MK571 and frusemide) to study functional interactions between influx and efflux transporters in the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir. Lipophilicity of the drugs was measured by octanol/saline partition coefficient. Key results: CEM cells, their variants and PBMCs express various hOATP isoforms, with OATP3A1 detected in all of the cells. MK571, XR9576 and frusemide increased the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir. E-3-S and montelukast reduced the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir in some, but not all, of the cells. Pretreatment of the cells with MK571, XR9576 or frusemide, followed by E-3-S co-incubation reduced the cellular accumulation of saquinavir and lopinavir. Lopinavir is much more lipophilic than saquinavir. Conclusions and implications: Human OATPs, MRP, P-gp and lipophilicity determine the cellular uptake and retention of saquinavir and lopinavir. These data may have important implications for drug,drug interactions, drug safety and efficacy. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 875,883; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.320; published online 18 August 2008 [source]


    Danofloxacin-mesylate is a substrate for ATP-dependent efflux transporters

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
    J A Schrickx
    Background and purpose: Next to its broad antimicrobial spectrum, the therapeutic advantages of the fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug Danofloxacin-Mesylate (DM) are attributed to its rapid distribution to the major target tissues such as lungs, intestines and the mammary gland in animals. Previous analyses revealed that effective drug concentrations are achieved also in luminal compartments of these organs, suggesting that active transport proteins facilitate excretion into the luminal space. Members of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamily, including P-gp, BCRP and MRP2 are known to be expressed in many tissue barriers and in cell-membranes facing luminal compartments. Hence we hypothesized that DM is a substrate for one of these efflux-transporters. Experimental approach: Confluent monolayers of Caco-2 cells, grown on microporous membranes in two-chamber devices were used. DM concentrations were measured by fluorimetric assay after HPLC of the culture media. Key results: DM transport across Caco-2 cells was asymmetric, with a rate of secretion exceeding that of absorption. The P-gp inhibitors PSC833 and GF120918 and the MRP-inhibitor MK571 partially decreased the secretion of DM and increased its absorption rate. The BCRP inhibitor, Ko143, decreased secretion only at a concentration of 1 ,M. When DM was applied together with ciprofloxacin, secretion as well as absorption of DM decreased. Conclusions and Implications: DM is a substrate for the efflux transporters P-gp and MRP2, whereas the specific role of BCRP in DM transport needs further evaluation. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the understanding of the pharmacokinetics of DM in healthy and diseased individuals. British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 463,469. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706974 [source]


    Characterization of efflux proteins in human corneal epithelial cells

    ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2007
    KS VELLONEN
    Purpose: Corneal epithelium is the main barrier for absorption of drugs into intraocular tissues after topical administration and part of this barrier may be formed by efflux proteins which translocate molecules from the cell interior to the extracellular space. The aim of this study was to characterize the gene expression and the activity of the efflux transporters in the cell culture model of immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCE cells), in primary cell line (HCEpiC), and in the human corneal epithelium. Methods: The mRNA levels of MDR1, MRP1-MRP6, and BCRP were determined by the quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to study protein expression and localization of efflux transporters. Functionality of these proteins was assessed with calcein-AM efflux assay and by measuring the efflux of CDCF. Furthermore, bidirectional permeability of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) was studied. Results: The mRNA of MRP1 and MRP5 were detected in the human cornea and in both cell lines. These efflux proteins were found in the cell membranes of the human corneal epithelium. At mRNA level some efflux proteins were over-expressed in the HCE and the primary cell lines. Increased calcein retention and decreased CDCF efflux in the presence of inhibitors suggested efflux protein activity in both primary and HCE cells. Likewise, directionality in Rh123 permeability was diminished in the presence of verapamil in HCE model. Conclusions: Functionality of the efflux proteins was demonstrated in the human corneal epithelial cells. MRP1 and MRP5 proteins may have important protecting role in corneal surface by transporting molecules out from the epithelial cells. It seems that the efflux activity in the HCE model differs from that of the corneal epithelium in vivo [source]


    Cultured CD4T cells and primary human lymphocytes express hOATPs: intracellular accumulation of saquinavir and lopinavir

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
    O Janneh
    Background and purpose: Drug efflux tranporters (P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)) limit the cellular uptake of human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors but the contribution of influx transporters in cells that (over)express P-gp or MRP is less clear. Here, we studied the expression of one influx transporter system, human organic anion-transporting polypeptide (hOATP), in some T-cell lines (CEM, CEMVBL, CEME1000) and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and examined the effects of manipulation of influx/efflux transporters on the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir. Experimental approach: The expression of hOATPs was studied by PCR. We used hOATP substrate or inhibitor (estrone-3-sulphate (E-3-S) or montelukast, respectively) and inhibitors of P-gp (XR9576) and MRP (MK571 and frusemide) to study functional interactions between influx and efflux transporters in the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir. Lipophilicity of the drugs was measured by octanol/saline partition coefficient. Key results: CEM cells, their variants and PBMCs express various hOATP isoforms, with OATP3A1 detected in all of the cells. MK571, XR9576 and frusemide increased the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir. E-3-S and montelukast reduced the uptake of saquinavir and lopinavir in some, but not all, of the cells. Pretreatment of the cells with MK571, XR9576 or frusemide, followed by E-3-S co-incubation reduced the cellular accumulation of saquinavir and lopinavir. Lopinavir is much more lipophilic than saquinavir. Conclusions and implications: Human OATPs, MRP, P-gp and lipophilicity determine the cellular uptake and retention of saquinavir and lopinavir. These data may have important implications for drug,drug interactions, drug safety and efficacy. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 875,883; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.320; published online 18 August 2008 [source]