ATP-dependent transport of amphiphilic cations across the hepatocyte canalicular membrane mediated by mdr1 P-glycoprotein

Single Nanoparticle Plasmonic Spectroscopy for Study of Charge-Dependent Efflux Function of Multidrug ABC Transporters of Single Live Bacillus subtilis Cells

Multidrug membrane transporters can selectively extrude a wide variety of structurally and functionally unrelated substrates, and they are responsible for ineffective treatment of a wide range of diseases (e.g., infection and cancer). Their underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we functionalized Ag NPs (11 nm in diameter) with two biocompatible peptides (CALNNK, CALNNE) to prepare positively and negatively charged Ag-peptide NPs (Ag-CALNNK NPs+ζ, Ag-CALNNE NPs-4ζ), respectively. We used them as photostable plasmonic imaging probes to study charge-dependent efflux kinetics of BmrA (ABC) membrane transporter of single live Bacillus (B.) subtilis cells. Two strains of the cells, normal expression of BmrA (WT) or devoid of BmrA (ΔBmrA), were used to study the charge-dependent efflux kinetics of single NPs upon the expression of BmrA. The NPs (1.4 nM) were stable (non-aggregated) in a PBS buffer and biocompatible to the cells. We found the high dependent accumulation of the intracellular NPs in both WT and ΔBmrA upon the charge and concentration of NPs. Notably, the accumulation rates of the positively charged NPs in single live WT cells are nearly identical to those in ΔBmrA cells, showing independence upon the expression of BmrA. In contrast, the accumulation rates of the negatively charged NPs in WT are much lower than in ΔBmrA, showing high dependence upon the expression of BmrA and suggesting that BmrA extrude the negatively charged NPs, but not positively charged NPs, out of the WT. The accumulation of positively charged NPs in both WT and ΔBmrA increases nearly proportionally to the NP concentration. The accumulation of negatively charged NPs in ΔBmrA, but not in WT, also increases nearly proportionally to the NP concentration. These results suggest that both negatively and positively charged NPs enter the cells via passive diffusion driven by concentration gradients across the cellular membrane, and BmrA can only extrude the negatively charged NPs out of the WT. This study shows that single NP plasmon spectroscopy can serve as a powerful tool to identify single plasmonic NPs and to probe the charge-dependent efflux kinetics and function of single membrane transporters in single live cells in real time.

Bile formation and secretion

Bile is a unique and vital aqueous secretion of the liver that is formed by the hepatocyte and modified down stream by absorptive and secretory properties of the bile duct epithelium. Approximately 5% of bile consists of organic and inorganic solutes of considerable complexity. The bile-secretory unit consists of a canalicular network which is formed by the apical membrane of adjacent hepatocytes and sealed by tight junctions. The bile canaliculi (∼1 μm in diameter) conduct the flow of bile countercurrent to the direction of portal blood flow and connect with the canal of Hering and bile ducts which progressively increase in diameter and complexity prior to the entry of bile into the gallbladder, common bile duct, and intestine. Canalicular bile secretion is determined by both bile salt-dependent and independent transport systems which are localized at the apical membrane of the hepatocyte and largely consist of a series of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transport proteins that function as export pumps for bile salts and other organic solutes. These transporters create osmotic gradients within the bile canalicular lumen that provide the driving force for movement of fluid into the lumen via aquaporins. Species vary with respect to the relative amounts of bile salt-dependent and independent canalicular flow and cholangiocyte secretion which is highly regulated by hormones, second messengers, and signal transduction pathways. Most determinants of bile secretion are now characterized at the molecular level in animal models and in man. Genetic mutations serve to illuminate many of their functions.

Homology modeling of transporter proteins (carriers and ion channels)

Transporter proteins are divided into channels and carriers and constitute families of membrane proteins of physiological and pharmacological importance. These proteins are targeted by several currently prescribed drugs, and they have a large potential as targets for new drug development. Ion channels and carriers are difficult to express and purify in amounts for X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies, and few carrier and ion channel structures are deposited in the PDB database. The scarcity of atomic resolution 3D structures of carriers and channels is a problem for understanding their molecular mechanisms of action and for designing new compounds with therapeutic potentials. The homology modeling approach is a valuable approach for obtaining structural information about carriers and ion channels when no crystal structure of the protein of interest is available. In this chapter, computational approaches for constructing homology models of carriers and transporters are reviewed.

Binding site of ABC transporter homology models confirmed by ABCB1 crystal structure

The human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCB1, ABCC4 and ABCC5 are involved in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Here we present molecular models of ABCB1, ABCC4 and ABCC5 by homology based on a wide open inward-facing conformation of Escherichia coli MsbA, which were constructed in order to elucidate differences in the electrostatic and molecular features of their drug recognition conformations. As a quality assurance of the methodology, the ABCB1 model was compared to an ABCB1 X-ray crystal structure, and with published cross-linking and site directed mutagenesis data of ABCB1. Amino acids Ile306 (TMH5), Ile340 (TMH6), Phe343 (TMH6), Phe728 (TMH7), and Val982 (TMH12), form a putative substrate recognition site in the ABCB1 model, which is confirmed by both the ABCB1 X-ray crystal structure and the site-directed mutagenesis studies. The ABCB1, ABCC4 and ABCC5 models display distinct differences in the electrostatic properties of their drug recognition sites.

Excretion of biliary compounds during intrauterine life

In adults, the hepatobiliary system, together with the kidney, constitute the main routes for the elimination of several endogenous and xenobiotic compounds into bile and urine, respectively. However, during intrauterine life the biliary route of excretion for cholephilic compounds, such as bile acids and biliary pigments, is very poor. Although very early in pregnancy the fetal liver produces bile acids, bilirubin and biliverdin, these compounds cannot be efficiently eliminated by the fetal hepatobiliary system, owing to the immaturity of the excretory machinery in the fetal liver. Therefore, the potentially harmful accumulation of cholephilic compounds in the fetus is prevented by their elimination across the placenta. Owing to the presence of detoxifying enzymes and specific transport systems at different locations of the placental barrier, such as the endothelial cells of chorionic vessels and trophoblast cells, this organ plays an important role in the hepatobiliary-like function during intrauterine life. The relevance of this excretory function in normal fetal physiology is evident in situations where high concentrations of biliary compounds are accumulated in the mother. This may result in oxidative stress and apoptosis, mainly in the placenta and fetal liver, which might affect normal fetal development and challenge the fate of the pregnancy. The present article reviews current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the hepatobiliary function of the fetal-placental unit and the repercussions of several pathological conditions on this tandem.

Molecular bases of the fetal liver-placenta-maternal liver excretory pathway for cholephilic compounds

Potentially toxic endogenous compounds, such as bile acids (BAs) and biliary pigments, as well as many xenobiotics, such as drugs and food components, are biotransformed and eliminated by the hepatobiliary system with the collaboration of the kidney. However, the situation is very different during pregnancy because the fetal liver produces biliary compounds despite the fact that this organ, owing to its immaturity, is not able to eliminate them into bile. Moreover, the excretory ability of the fetal kidneys is also very limited. Thus, during the intra-uterine life, the major route to eliminate fetal BAs and biliary pigments is their transfer to the mother across the placenta. The maternal liver and, to a lesser extent, the maternal kidney, are then in charge of their biotransformation and elimination into faeces and urine respectively. This review describes current knowledge of the machinery responsible for the detoxification and excretion of cholephilic compounds through the pathway formed by the fetal liver-placenta-maternal liver trio.

Molecular model of the outward facing state of the human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), and comparison to a model of the human MRP5 (ABCC5)

Background

Multidrug resistance is a particular limitation to cancer chemotherapy, antibiotic treatment and HIV medication. The ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporters human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and the human MRP5 (ABCC5) are involved in multidrug resistance.

Results

In order to elucidate structural and molecular concepts of multidrug resistance, we have constructed a molecular model of the ATP-bound outward facing conformation of the human multidrug resistance protein ABCB1 using the Sav1866 crystal structure as a template, and compared the ABCB1 model with a previous ABCC5 model. The electrostatic potential surface (EPS) of the ABCB1 substrate translocation chamber, which transports cationic amphiphilic and lipophilic substrates, was neutral with negative and weakly positive areas. In contrast, EPS of the ABCC5 substrate translocation chamber, which transports organic anions, was generally positive. Positive-negative ratios of amino acids in the TMDs of ABCB1 and ABCC5 were also analyzed, and the positive-negative ratio of charged amino acids was higher in the ABCC5 TMDs than in the ABCB1 TMDs. In the ABCB1 model residues Leu65 (transmembrane helix 1 (TMH1)), Ile306 (TMH5), Ile340 (TMH6) and Phe343 (TMH6) may form a binding site, and this is in accordance with previous site directed mutagenesis studies.

Conclusion

The Sav1866 X-ray structure may serve as a suitable template for the ABCB1 model, as it did with ABCC5. The EPS in the substrate translocation chambers and the positive-negative ratio of charged amino acids were in accordance with the transport of cationic amphiphilic and lipophilic substrates by ABCB1, and the transport of organic anions by ABCC5.

Characterization of WIF-B9/R cells as an in vitro model with hepatocyte-like polarity and enhanced expression of canalicular ABC transporters involved in phase III of hepatic detoxification

The rat hepatoma/human fibroblast hybrid cell line WIF-B9 was developed to be used in studies requiring maintained hepatocyte-like polarity. To enhance their usefulness in order to investigate hepatic phase III detoxification process, we have characterized a subline of WIF-B9 cells (WIF-B9/R) obtained by exposure to progressively increasing cisplatin concentrations (up to 10 microM) and double sub-clonal selection. As compared to WIF-B9 cells, the cytostatic effect of cisplatin and doxorubicin on WIF-B9/R cells was lower (>10-fold), whereas the ability to reduce cell loading of cisplatin, doxorubicin, rhodamine 123 and calcein was higher. As their parent cells, WIF-B9/R cells express hepatocyte-like polarity. However, they have enhanced stable expression of Mdr1, Mrp1, Mrp2, Mrp3 and BCRP, but not Bsep/BSEP, as determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and western blot. Differentiation to hepatocyte-like phenotype was characterized by the formation of canalicular-like structures, containing in their membranes immunocytochemically detectable Mdr1, Mrp2 and BCRP. Functionality of these ABC transporters was evaluated by using specific substrates and inhibitors. Thus, canalicular-like structures were able to concentrate calcein, rhodamine 123 and doxorubicin. Moreover, verapamil, probenecid and Hoechst-33342 inhibited doxorubicin efflux and enhanced its content in WIF-B9/R cells. Probenecid inhibited calcein efflux and increased calcein cell load, but had no effect on cell loading of rhodamine 123, which was increased by verapamil and Hoechst-33342. In conclusion, WIF-B9/R cells are a useful model of polarized cells to study, in the absence of Bsep/BSEP, hepatic phase III of the detoxification process of several compounds whose canalicular transport is mediated by ABC proteins.

Characterization of secretory intestinal transport of phenolsulfonphthalein

It is known that secretory transport limits the oral bioavailability of certain drugs. However, there is little information on the secretion of anionic compounds in the intestine. Phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP) and p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) have been used widely as substrates for organic anion transport systems. PAH is transported in the secretory direction in the intestine. It is possible that PSP and PAH share the same transport system at the mucosal membrane. The purpose of this study was to characterize the transport system for PSP in the intestine. In the jejunum, the serosal-to-mucosal permeation rate of PSP was significantly reduced in an ATP-depleted condition, whereas a significant difference was not observed in the ileum. Some multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) inhibitors inhibited PSP permeation in the jejunum. However, pravastatin, a substrate of Mrp2, did not inhibit the PSP permeation. The jejunal secretory transport of pravastatin was significantly reduced in an ATP-depleted condition and by addition of probenecid, but PSP did not affect the jejunal permeation of pravastatin. These results suggest that PSP is secreted into the intestinal lumen by Mrp2-like transporter and that two Mrp2 substrates, PSP and pravastatin, are likely to be transported by different transport systems at the mucosal membrane.

The hepatobiliary-like excretory function of the placenta. A review

In the adult, several endogenous compounds, such as bile acids and biliary pigments, as well as many xenobiotics are mainly biotransformed and eliminated by the hepatobiliary system. However, because this function is immature in the foetus, this role is carried out by the placenta during the intrauterine life. This review describes current knowledge of the trophoblastic machinery responsible for this function, which includes transport and metabolic processes, similar in part to those existing in the mature liver. Because many of the studies reviewed here were conducted on human or rat near-term placentae, two aspects should be borne in mind: (i) although both types of placenta are haemochorial, profound species-specific differences at the structural, molecular and functional levels do exist, and (ii) the placenta is an organ undergoing continuous developmental changes, including its hepatobiliary-like excretory function.

Interactions of cationic drugs and cardiac glycosides at the hepatic uptake level: studies in the rat in vivo, isolated perfused rat liver, isolated rat hepatocytes and oocytes expressing oatp2

This paper deals with a crucial mechanism for interaction of basic drugs and cardiac glycosides at the hepatic uptake level. Available literature data is provided and new material is presented to picture the differential transport inhibition of bulky (type2) cationic drugs by a number of cardiac glycosides in rat liver. It is shown that the so called organic anion transporting peptide 2 (oatp2) is the likely interaction site: differential inhibition patterns as observed in oocytes expressing oatp2, could be clearly identified also in isolated rat hepatocytes, isolated perfused rat liver and the rat in vivo. The anticipation of transport interactions at the hepatic clearance level should be based on data on the relative affinities of interacting substrates for the transport systems involved along with knowledge on the pharmacokinetics of these agents as well as the chosen dose regimen in the studied species. This review highlights the importance of multispecific tranporter systems such as OATP, accommodating a broad spectrum of organic compounds of various charge, implying potential transport interactions that can affect body distribution and organ clearance.

Stereoselective transport of hydrophilic quaternary drugs by human MDR1 and rat Mdr1b P-glycoproteins

1. The present study was performed to evaluate and compare the ability of human MDR1-, and rat Mdr1b- and Mdr2-P-glycoproteins to transport hydrophilic monoquaternary drugs. Transport studies were performed with plasma membrane vesicles isolated from MDR1-, Mdr1b-, or Mdr2-overexpressing insect cells. 2. As model substrates we used the N-methylated derivatives of the diastereomers quinidine and quinine, the monoquaternary compounds N-methylquinidine and N-methylquinine. Vincristine, an established MDR1 substrate, was used as a reference. 3. We observed ATP-dependent uptake of all drugs studied into MDR1- and Mdr1b-expressing vesicles. Mdr2 was not able to transport these compounds. MDR1- and Mdr1b-mediated transport was saturable, and could be inhibited by various drugs, including PSC-833. 4. For both MDR1 and Mdr1b the V(max)/K(m) ratios (or clearance) of N-methylquinidine were greater than those determined for N-methylquinine. This stereoselective difference was also evident from differential inhibitory studies with the two isomers. 5. Comparison of normalized clearance indicated that human MDR1 was more effective in transporting the tested substrates than rat Mdr1b. 6. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MDR1 and Mdr1b, but not Mdr2, are able to transport the monoquaternary model drugs; both MDR1 and Mdr1b display stereospecificity for these cations; and indicate human MDR1 is more efficient in transporting these cations than its rat orthologue Mdr1b.

A co-culture-based model of human blood-brain barrier: application to active transport of indinavir and in vivo-in vitro correlation

The growing array of in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which have been used makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions concerning the BBB penetration of HIV-1 protease inhibitors. What is needed is a combined in vivo and in vitro study on biological models that mimic as closely as possible the normal human BBB, to establish whether and how indinavir crosses the BBB. We developed a new human BBB model using primary endothelial cells and astrocytes. The biological relevance of this model was checked with respect on the one hand, to the close relationship between the log of drug permeability coefficient normalized to molecular weight and the log of the 1-octanol/water partition coefficient, and on the other hand to the functional P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression. We employed this model to perform transport studies with indinavir and showed that the rate of in vitro indinavir transport from the basal to apical compartment was higher than the rate of apical to basal transport. Pretreatment of the BBB model with the P-gp inhibitor, quinidine, significantly increased apical to basal transport. Intracellular indinavir accumulation was increased in BBB as a result of inhibition of active transport. These data were correlated with the indinavir-mediated P-gp ATPase modulation showing that indinavir specifically interacted with a binding site on P-gp. Moreover, the activation of P-gp ATPase by indinavir was inhibited by quinidine. In addition, the in vivo brain to plasma concentration ratio of indinavir into mice showed that indinavir concentration was up to five times higher in the brain of mdr1a(-/-) mice than in the brain of mdr1a(+/+) mice. All these results confirm the role of P-gp in preventing the passage of indinavir across BBB and thus its entry into the central nervous system (CNS). Our human BBB model represents a useful tool for the evaluation of drug penetration into the CNS.

Quantitative evaluation of capacity-limited hepatobiliary transport based on hepatocellular diffusion model by MULTI(FEM)

The dose-dependency of hepatic uptake and hepatobiliary transport of a drug was evaluated by means of a nonlinear least square program incorporating the finite element method, MULTI(FEM). A perfusion experiment using isolated rat livers following a pulse input (i.e., under nonsteady-state conditions) was performed at three dose levels of cefpiramide as a model drug. The hepatic extraction ratio (E(H)) of cefpiramide decreased with an increase in dose, which demonstrates that the hepatic uptake is capacity-limited. The outflow time-profiles from the liver were represented by a two-compartment dispersion model with central Michaelis-Menten elimination, and the maximal elimination rate per central compartment volume (Vmax) and the Michaelis constant (Km) were estimated to be 1420 microg/ml/min and 235 microg/ml, respectively. The biliary mean transit time (t(bile)) increased slightly with an increase in dose. The hepatocellular diffusion model under non-steady-state conditions considering nonlinear transport across the bile canalicular membrane was adopted to evaluate dose-dependency in the biliary excretion of cefpiramide. The maximal penetration velocity across the bile canalicular membrane per liver (V=(bcm)max) and the affinity constant of penetration across the bile canalicular membrane (k(bcm)m = K(bcm)m A(H)L) were estimated to be 40.1 microg/min and 123 microg, respectively. Considering that the volume of a rat liver (A(H)L) is approximately 10 ml, the Michaelis constant of penetration (K(bcm)m), which is an apparent parameter, was estimated to be approximately 12.3 microg/ml. In conclusion, MULTI(FEM) is useful for evaluation of capacity-limited local disposition.

Physiological oxygen tensions modulate expression of the mdr1b multidrug-resistance gene in primary rat hepatocyte cultures

P-Glycoprotein transporters encoded by mdr1 (multidrug resistance) genes mediate extrusion of an array of lipophilic xenobiotics from the cell. In rat liver, mdr transcripts have been shown to be expressed mainly in hepatocytes of the periportal region. Since gradients in oxygen tension (pO(2)) may contribute towards zonated gene expression, the influence of arterial and venous pO(2) on mRNA expression of the mdr1b isoform was examined in primary rat hepatocytes cultured for up to 3 days. Maximal mdr1b mRNA levels (100%) were observed under arterial pO(2) after 72 h, whereas less than half-maximal mRNA levels (40%) were attained under venous pO(2). Accordingly, expression of mdr protein and extrusion of the mdr1 substrate rhodamine 123 were maximal under arterial pO(2) and reduced under venous pO(2). Oxygen-dependent modulation of mdr1b mRNA expression was prevented by actinomycin D, indicating transcriptional regulation. Inhibition of haem synthesis by 25 microM CoCl(2) blocked mdr1b mRNA expression under both oxygen tensions, whereas 80 microM desferrioxamine abolished modulation by O(2). Haem (10 microM) increased mdr1b mRNA levels under arterial and venous pO(2). In hepatocytes treated with 50 microM H(2)O(2), mdr1b mRNA expression was elevated by about 1.6-fold at venous pO(2) and 1.5-fold at arterial pO(2). These results support the conclusion that haem proteins are crucial for modulation of mdr1b mRNA expression by O(2) in hepatocyte cultures and that reactive oxygen species may participate in O(2)-dependent signal transduction. Furthermore, the present study suggests that oxygen might be a critical modulator for zonated secretion of mdr1 substrates into the bile.

The homodimeric ATP-binding cassette transporter LmrA mediates multidrug transport by an alternating two-site (two-cylinder engine) mechanism

The bacterial LmrA protein and the mammalian multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein are closely related ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that confer multidrug resistance on cells by mediating the extrusion of drugs at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. The mechanisms by which transport is mediated, and by which ATP hydrolysis is coupled to drug transport, are not known. Based on equilibrium binding experiments, photoaffinity labeling and drug transport assays, we conclude that homodimeric LmrA mediates drug transport by an alternating two-site transport (two-cylinder engine) mechanism. The transporter possesses two drug-binding sites: a transport-competent site on the inner membrane surface and a drug-release site on the outer membrane surface. The interconversion of these two sites, driven by the hydrolysis of ATP, occurs via a catalytic transition state intermediate in which the drug transport site is occluded. The mechanism proposed for LmrA may also be relevant for P-glycoprotein and other ABC transporters.

Analysis of the tangled relationships between P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance and the lipid phase of the cell membrane

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the so-called multidrug transporter, is a plasma membrane glycoprotein often involved in the resistance of cancer cells towards multiple anticancer agents in the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype. It has long been recognized that the lipid phase of the plasma membrane plays an important role with respect to multidrug resistance and Pgp because: the compounds involved in the MDR phenotype are hydrophobic and diffuse passively through the membrane; Pgp domains involved in drug binding are located within the putative transmembrane segments; Pgp activity is highly sensitive to its lipid environment; and Pgp may be involved in lipid trafficking and metabolism. Unraveling the different roles played by the membrane lipid phase in MDR is relevant, not only to the evaluation of the precise role of Pgp, but also to the understanding of the mechanism of action and function of Pgp. With this aim, I review the data from different fields (cancer research, medicinal chemistry, membrane biophysics, pharmaceutical research) concerning drug-membrane, as well as Pgp-membrane, interactions. It is emphasized that the lipid phase of the membrane cannot be overlooked while investigating the MDR phenotype. Taking into account these aspects should be useful in the search of ways to obviate MDR and could also be relevant to the study of other multidrug transporters.

Characterization of the efflux of the organic cation MPP+ in cultured rat hepatocytes

The aim of this study was to characterize the efflux of organic cations from primary cultured rat hepatocytes, using 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) as a model compound. The efflux of [3H]MPP+ was temperature dependent, and pH and metabolic inhibition independent. It was either strongly reduced (verapamil, vinblastine and rhodamine123) or only moderately reduced (daunomycin) by other organic cations. The anti-P-glycoprotein antibody UIC2 (20 microg/ml) and the P-glycoprotein inhibitors vanadate and cyclosporine A had no effect on [3H]MPP+ efflux. Decynium22 and corticosterone, known inhibitors of rat Organic Cation Transporter 1 (rOCT1), markedly reduced [3H]MPP+ efflux. The uptake of [3H]MPP+ into hepatocytes, known to be mediated by rOCT1, was inhibited by verapamil and vinblastine (IC50s of 2.6 and 34.4 microM, respectively). In conclusion, [3H]MPP+ efflux from primary cultured rat hepatocytes appears to be mediated by rOCT1, a polyspecific organic cation transporter. Moreover, our results do not support the involvement of P-glycoprotein or of an organic cation/proton antiporter in the efflux of [3H]MPP+.

Selective inhibition of MDR1 P-glycoprotein-mediated transport by the acridone carboxamide derivative GG918

The acridone carboxamide derivative GG918 (N-{4-[2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethoxy-2-isoquinolinyl)-ethyl]-pheny l}-9,10dihydro-5-methoxy-9-oxo-4-acridine carboxamide) is a potent inhibitor of MDR1 P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance. Direct measurements of ATP-dependent MDR1 P-glycoprotein-mediated transport in plasma membrane vesicles from human and rat hepatocyte canalicular membranes indicated 50% inhibition at GG918 concentrations between 8 nM and 80 nM using N-pentyl-[3H]quinidinium, ['4C]doxorubicin and [3H]daunorubicin as substrates. The inhibition constant K for GG918 was 35 nM in rat hepatocyte canalicular membrane vesicles with [3H]daunorubicin as the substrate. Photoaffinity labelling of canalicular and recombinant rat Mdr1b P-glycoprotein by [3H]azidopine was suppressed by 10 muM and 40 muM GG918. The high selectivity of GG918-induced inhibition was demonstrated in canalicular membrane vesicles and by analysis of the hepatobiliary elimination in rats using [3H]daunorubicin, [3H]taurocholate and [3H]cysteinyl leukotrienes as substrates for three distinct ATP-dependent export pumps. Almost complete inhibition of [3H]daunorubicin transport was observed at GG918 concentrations that did not affect the other hepatocyte canalicular export pumps. The high potency and selectivity of GG918 for the inhibition of human MDR1 and rat Mdr1b P-glycoprotein may serve to interfere with this type of multidrug resistance and provides a tool for studies on the function of these ATP-dependent transport proteins.

Flavonoid-related modulators of multidrug resistance: synthesis, pharmacological activity, and structure-activity relationships

A series of 28 flavonoid derivatives containing a N-benzylpiperazine chain have been synthesized and tested for their ability to modulate multidrug resistance (MDR) in vitro. At 5 microM, most compounds potentiated doxorubicin cytotoxicity on resistant K562/DOX cells. They were also able to increase the intracellular accumulation of JC-1, a fluorescent molecule recently described as a probe of P-glycoprotein-mediated MDR. This suggests that these compounds act, at least in part, by inhibiting P-glycoprotein activity. As in other studies, lipophilicity was shown to influence MDR-modulating activity but was not the only determinant. Diverse di- and trimethoxy substitutions on N-benzyl were examined and found to affect the activity differently. The most active compounds had a 2,3, 4-trimethoxybenzylpiperazine chain attached to either a flavone or a flavanone moiety (13, 19, 33, and 37) and were found to be more potent than verapamil.

ATP- and glutathione-dependent transport of chemotherapeutic drugs by the multidrug resistance protein MRP1

The present study was performed to investigate the ability of the multidrug resistance protein (MRPI) to transport different cationic substrates in comparison with MDR1-P-glycoprotein (MDR1). Transport studies were performed with isolated membrane vesicles from in vitro selected multidrug resistant cell lines overexpressing MDR1 (A2780AD) or MRP1 (GLC4/Adr) and a MRP1-transfected cell line (S1(MRP)). As substrates we used 3H-labelled derivatives of the hydrophilic monoquaternary cation N-(4',4'-azo-in-pentyl)-21-deoxy-ajmalinium (APDA), the basic drug vincristine and the more hydrophobic basic drug daunorubicin. All three are known MDR1-substrates. MRP1 did not mediate transport of these substrates per se. In the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH), there was an ATP-dependent uptake of vincristine and daunorubicin, but not of APDA, into GLC4/Adr and S1(MRP) membrane vesicles which could be inhibited by the MRP1-inhibitor MK571. ATP- and GSH-dependent transport of daunorubicin and vincristine into GLC4/Adr membrane vesicles was inhibited by the MRP1-specific monoclonal antibody QCRL-3. MRP1-mediated daunorubicin transport rates were dependent on the concentration of GSH and were maximal at concentrations > or = 10 mM. The apparent KM value for GSH was 2.7 mM. Transport of daunorubicin in the presence of 10 mM GSH was inhibited by MK571 with an IC50 of 0.4 microM. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that MRP1 transports vincristine and daunorubicin in an ATP- and GSH-dependent manner. APDA is not a substrate for MRP1.

Hepatic sequestration and modulation of the canalicular transport of the organic cation, daunorubicin, in the Rat

In contrast to organic anions, substrates for the canalicular mdr1a and b are usually organic cations and are often sequestered in high concentrations in intracellular acidic compartments. Because many of these compounds are therapeutic agents, we investigated if their sequestration could be regulated. We used isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL), isolated rat hepatocyte couplets (IRHC), and WIF-B cells to study the cellular localization and biliary excretion of the fluorescent cation, daunorubicin (DNR). Despite rapid (within 15 minutes) and efficient (>90%) cellular uptake in the IPRL, only approximately 10% of the dose administered (0.2-20 micromol) was excreted in bile after 85 minutes. Confocal microscopy revealed fluorescence predominantly in vesicles in the pericanalicular region in IPRL, IRHC, and WIF-B cells. Treatment of these cells with chloroquine and bafilomycin A, agents that disrupt the pH gradient across the vesicular membrane, resulted in a loss of vesicular fluorescence, reversible in the case of bafilomycin A. Taurocholate (TC) and dibutyryl cAMP (DBcAMP), stimulators of transcytotic vesicular transport, increased the biliary recovery of DNR significantly above controls, by 70% and 35%, respectively. The microtubule destabilizer, nocodazole, decreased biliary excretion of DNR. No effect on secretion was noted in TR- mutant rats deficient in mrp2. Coadministration of verapamil, an inhibitor of mdr1, also decreased DNR excretion. While TC and DBcAMP did not affect the fluorescent intensity or pattern of distribution in IRHC, nocodazole resulted in redistribution of DNR to peripheral punctuate structures. These findings suggest that the organic cation, DNR, is largely sequestered in cells such as hepatocytes, yet its excretion can still be modulated.

A method for studying plasma membrane transport with intact cells using computerized fluorometry

A new method is presented for measuring rapid efflux of fluorescent compounds from monolayer cells. Cells grown on a glass coverslip were loaded with a fluorescent substrate. Thereafter, the coverslip was installed outside the light path in a stirred and thermostated cuvette of a fluorometer. The efflux was recorded by measuring the changes of fluorescence in the extracellular medium. The method was used to study the kinetics of active and passive plasma membrane transport of the P-glycoprotein substrates rhodamine 123 and daunorubicin. The method has advantages over other methods: (1) no radioactively labeled substrate is needed, (2) fluorescence of the transported substrate is not compromised by the cells, (3) changes in the extracellular concentration of the substrate can be monitored continuously and therefore a substantial improvement of the kinetic resolution is obtained, and (4) the measurement setup is relatively simple and a standard fluorometer can be used. From the efflux data, cellular transport parameters could be calculated, such as passive permeation coefficients and active transport rates.

Role of organic cation transporters in drug absorption and elimination

Organic cation transporters are critical in drug absorption, targeting, and disposition. It has become increasingly clear that multiple mechanisms are involved in organic cation transport in the key tissues responsible for drug absorption and disposition: the kidney, liver, and intestine. In this review, we discuss current models of transepithelial flux of organic cations in these three tissues. Particular emphasis is placed on the more recent molecular studies that have paved the way for a more complete understanding of the physiological and pharmacological roles of the organic cation transporters. Such information is essential in predicting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and in the design and development of cationic drugs.

Hepatobiliary and intestinal clearance of amphiphilic cationic drugs in mice in which both mdr1a and mdr1b genes have been disrupted

1. We have used mice with homozygously disrupted mdr1a and mdr1b genes (mdr1a/1b (-/-) mice) to study the role of the mdr1-type P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the elimination of cationic amphiphilic compounds from the body. These mice lack drug-transporting P-gps, but show no physiological abnormalities under laboratory conditions and have normal bile flow. 2. 3H-labelled cationic drugs were administered intravenously (i.v.) to mice as a single bolus dose and the disposition of the studied cationic drugs was investigated by focusing on drug secretion into bile, intestinal lumen and urine. 3. Hepatobiliary secretion of the investigated cationic drugs was profoundly reduced in mice devoid of the mdr1-type P-gps. In fact, the cumulative biliary output, measured during 1 h, of the small type 1 compounds tri-butylmethyl ammonium (TBuMA) and azidoprocainamide methoiodide (APM), as well as of the more bulky type 2 cationic drug vecuronium, was reduced by at least 70% in the mdrla/lb (-/-) mice compared to wild-type. 4. The intestinal secretion of TBuMA, APM and vecuronium was also profoundly reduced in mdrla/lb (-/-) mice compared to wild-type mice. The absence of the mdrl-type P-gp resulted in virtual elimination of intestinal secretion of TBuMA and APM (>90% reduced as compared to wild-type (P=0.0001 and 0.0022, respectively)). The intestinal secretion of the type 2 cation drug vecuronium was reduced by 58% (P=0.0004) compared to the wild-type mice. 5. Increased renal clearances of both the type 1 compounds TBuMA and APM and also of the type 2 cationic compound vecuronium in the mdrla/lb (-/-) mice were observed. Furthermore, the balance between hepatic, intestinal and renal clearances of small type 1 organic cations clearly shifted towards a predominant role for renal clearance. Increased renal clearance may be explained by (over)expression of additional mechanisms for renal organic cation secretion, alternatively they may also point to an as yet undefined role of P-glycoprotein in kidney physiology and renal secretory function. 6. We conclude that the elimination from the body of a broad spectrum of cationic amphiphilic drugs via liver and intestine, is largely dictated by the activity of mdrl-type P-glycoproteins.

Contribution of the murine mdr1a P-glycoprotein to hepatobiliary and intestinal elimination of cationic drugs as measured in mice with an mdr1a gene disruption

In the mouse, both the mdr1a and the mdr1b gene encode drug-transporting P-glycoproteins. The mdr1a P-glycoprotein is expressed in epithelial cells of, among others, the liver and the intestine. Furthermore, the mdr1b gene product is found in the liver but is not detectable in the intestine. To establish the potential involvement of P-glycoprotein in the elimination of cationic amphiphilic drugs from the body, we investigated biliary, intestinal, and urinary excretion in mice with a homozygous disruption of the mdr1a gene (mdr1a(-/-) mice). These mice are fully viable under laboratory conditions and have normal bile flow. Cumulative biliary excretion (expressed as percent of the intravenously administered dose excreted over a 1-hour period) of several cationic compounds was decreased as follows in mdr1a(-/-) mice compared with the wild-type animals: tri-n-butylmethylammonium (TBuMA), 0.7% versus 2.1%; azidoprocainamide methoiodide (APM), 3.8% versus 7.6%; and vecuronium, 22.7% versus 41.3%. The luminal secretion of both TBuMA and APM in the small intestine was profoundly decreased, respectively 4.6-fold (1.8% vs. 8.2% in the wild-type) and 7.9-fold (1.6% vs. 10.3% in the wild-type) in mdr1a(-/-) mice. Thus mdr1a P-glycoprotein contributes substantially to the removal of a wide variety of cationic agents from the body through intestinal and hepatobiliary secretion, but it evidently acts in concert with other transport system(s). These processes probably provide a protective mechanism limiting the overall rate of absorption as well as the bioavailability of potentially toxic organic amines.

Changes in biliary excretory mechanisms in rats with ethinyloestradiol-induced cholestasis

Several excretory pathways for cholephilic compounds have been known. To examine the changes in excretory pathways in cholestasis induced by ethinyloestradiol, various bile acids, organic anions and organic cations were intravenously administered to ethinyloestradiol-treated rats and their biliary excretion was studied. Biliary excretion of taurocholate was slightly delayed, but its excretory maximum was markedly decreased. Biliary excretion of lithocholate-3-O-glucuronide, leukotriene C4, sulphobromophthalein and pravastatin was markedly impaired to a similar extent. Biliary excretion of vinblastine, a P-glycoprotein substrate, was increased, suggesting increased expression of P-glycoprotein. In contrast, biliary excretion of erythromycin, a cationic antibiotic, was markedly impaired. In conclusion, ethinyloestradiol treatment altered the biliary excretion of organic compounds, which may partly be related to changes of the canalicular transporters.

Interactions between P-glycoprotein substrates and other cationic drugs at the hepatic excretory level

1. In the present study it was tested whether known P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates/MDR reversal agents interact with small (type 1) and bulky (type 2) cationic drugs at the level of biliary excretion in the rat isolated perfused liver model (IPRL). The studies were performed with model compounds tri-n-butylmethylammonium (TBuMA) (a relatively small type 1 organic cation), rocuronium (Roc) (a bulky type 2 organic cation) and the classical P-gp substrate doxorubicin (Dox). 2. Inhibitors were given in a 4 fold molar excess to the substrate studied. To minimize an interaction of the substrates at the hepatic uptake level, the competing compounds were added when over 55% to 85% of the administered dose of the model compounds had been removed from the perfusate and taken up by the liver. 3. We found a mutual interaction between TBuMA and procainamidethobromide (PAEB), both type 1 cationic compounds during biliary excretion. Interestingly, type 2 compounds, such as rocuronium, clearly inhibited type 1 cationic drugs as well as Dox secretion into bile, whereas type 1 compounds did not significantly inhibit type 2 drug excretion into bile. The type 1 cations PAEB and TBuMA only moderately inhibited Dox biliary excretion. Dox did not inhibit the biliary excretion of the type 2 agent rocuronium whereas rocuronium reduced Dox biliary excretion by 50% compared to controls. 4. MDR substrates/reversal agents like verapamil, quinine, quinidine and vinblastine strongly reduced both type 1 and type 2 organic cation excretion into bile. Dox secretion into bile was also profoundly reduced by these drugs, vinblastine being the most potent inhibitor in general. 5. The lack of mutual inhibition observed in some combinations of substrates may indicate that major differences in affinity of the substrates for a single excretory system exist. Alternatively, multiple organic cation transport systems with separate substrate specificities may be involved in the biliary excretion of amphiphilic drugs. Furthermore, the present study revealed a clear positive correlation between the lipophilicity of the potential inhibitors studied and their respective inhibitory activity on the biliary excretion of the model drugs investigated. 6. Our data are compatible with a potential involvement of P-glycoprotein in the hepatobiliary excretion of doxorubicin as well as of some type 1 and type 2 organic cations. Furthermore we postulate that the hydrophobic properties of the amphiphilic cationic drugs studied play a crucial role in the accommodation of these agents by P-glycoprotein and/or other potential cationic drug carrier proteins in the canalicular membrane.

Hepatocellular ATP-binding cassette protein expression enhances ATP release and autocrine regulation of cell volume

In a model liver cell line, recovery from swelling is mediated by a sensitive autocrine pathway involving conductive release of ATP, P2 receptor stimulation, and opening of membrane Cl- channels (Wang, Y., Roman, R. M., Lidofsky, S. D., and Fitz, J. G. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 93, 12020-12025). However, the mechanisms coupling changes in cell volume to ATP release are not known. Based on evidence that certain ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins may function as ATP channels or channel regulators, we evaluated the potential role of ABC proteins by comparing ATP release and volume regulation in rat HTC and HTC-R hepatoma cells, the latter of which overexpress Mdr proteins. In both cell types, Cl- current activation (ICl-swell) and volume recovery following swelling were dependent on conductive ATP efflux. The rate of volume recovery was approximately 6-fold faster in HTC-R cells compared with HTC cells. This effect is likely due to enhanced ABC protein-dependent ATP release since (i) ICl-swell and cell volume recovery were eliminated by inhibition of P-glycoprotein transport (20 microM verapamil and 15 microM cyclosporin A); (ii) swelling-induced Cl- current density was similar in both cell types (approximately -50 pA/pF; not significant); and (iii) ATP conductance measured by whole-cell techniques was increased approximately 3-fold in HTC-R cells compared with HTC cells. Moreover, HTC-R cells exhibited enhanced survival during hypotonic stress. By modulating ATP release, hepatic ABC proteins may play a key role in the cellular pathways coupling changes in cell volume to ion permeability and secretion.

Multidrug resistance mediated by a bacterial homolog of the human multidrug transporter MDR1

Resistance of Lactococcus lactis to cytotoxic compounds shares features with the multidrug resistance phenotype of mammalian tumor cells. Here, we report the gene cloning and functional characterization in Escherichia coli of LmrA, a lactococcal structural and functional homolog of the human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein MDR1. LmrA is a 590-aa polypeptide that has a putative topology of six alpha-helical transmembrane segments in the N-terminal hydrophobic domain, followed by a hydrophilic domain containing the ATP-binding site. LmrA is similar to each of the two halves of MDR1 and may function as a homodimer. The sequence conservation between LmrA and MDR1 includes particular regions in the transmembrane domains and connecting loops, which, in MDR1 and the MDR1 homologs in other mammalian species, have been implicated as determinants of drug recognition and binding. LmrA and MDR1 extrude a similar spectrum of amphiphilic cationic compounds, and the activity of both systems is reversed by reserpine and verapamil. As LmrA can be functionally expressed in E. coli, it offers a useful prokaryotic model for future studies on the molecular mechanism of MDR1-like multidrug transporters.

Parameters influencing the introduction of plasmid DNA into cells by the use of synthetic amphiphiles as a carrier system

Parameters that affect cellular transfection as accomplished by introducing DNA via carriers composed of cationic synthetic amphiphiles, have been investigated, with the aim to obtain insight into the mechanism of DNA translocation. Such insight may be exploited in optimizing carrier properties of synthetic amphiphiles for molecules other than nucleic acids. In the present work, the interaction of vesicles composed of the cationic amphiphile dioleyloxy-propyl-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) with cultured cells was examined. The results show that optimal transfection is dependent on the concentration of lipid, which determines the efficiency of vesicle interaction with the target cell membrane, as well as the toxicity of the amphiphiles towards the cell. A low lipid/DNA ratio prevents the complex from interacting with the cell surface, whereas at a relatively high amphiphile concentration the complex becomes toxic. Translocation efficiency is independent of the initial vesicle size but is affected by the size of the DNA. An incubation time of the DNA/amphiphile complex and cells of approx. 2-4 h is required for obtaining efficient transfection. In conjunction with observations on DNA/amphiphile complex-induced hemolysis of erythrocytes, a mechanism of DNA-entry is proposed which involves translocation of the nucleic acids through pores across the membranes rather than delivery via fusion or endocytosis. Dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine, a phospholipid frequently used in a mixture with DOTMA ('lipofectin') strongly facilitates this pore formation. Translocation of the DNA is effectively prevented when the cells are pretreated with Ca2+ or pronase. These observations suggest that Ca(2+)-sensitive cell surface proteins play a role in amphiphile-mediated DNA translocation.

Possible involvement of multiple P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux systems in the transport of verapamil and other organic cations across rat intestine

PURPOSE

We investigated the intestinal transport of verapamil, chlorpromazine, and propantheline, particularly their P-glycoprotein-mediated secretion.

METHODS

Permeation of rat intestinal segments in vitro was determined using diffusion cells.

RESULTS

Verapamil permeation in the serosal-to-mucosal direction was much greater than in the mucosal-to-serosal direction using duodenal, jejunal, and colonic membranes. The concentration dependence of jejunal permeation in the absorptive and secretory directions was consistent with saturability of a secretory transport system. Using a monoclonal antibody to inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated secretion caused a significant enhancement of verapamil absorption through the jejunum. In contrast, the rat ileum did not preferentially transport verapamil in the secretory direction, and the P-glycoprotein antibody had no effect on ileal absorption. Chlorpromazine and propantheline enhanced the mucosal-to-serosal permeation of verapamil through the jejunum, most likely due to competitive inhibition of the P-glycoprotein-mediated secretory process. Vinblastine, tetraethylammonium, and guanidine did not affect verapamil permeation. Propantheline was also a substrate for P-glycoprotein-mediated secretory transport, but in contrast to verapamil, propantheline secretory transport was expressed in rat ileum.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that these cationic compounds are transported by plural P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux systems with different substrate specificities depending on the intestinal site.

Functional reconstitution of ATP-dependent transporters from the solubilized hepatocyte canalicular membrane

The hepatocyte canalicular membrane contains several primary-active ATP-dependent export carriers including one for bile salts and one for leukotriene C4 and related conjugates. The molecular identity of both transporters has not been fully elucidated. To establish a transport assay that allows the purification and identification of the proteins involved in ATP-dependent bile salt transport and in leukotriene C4 transport, we reconstituted solubilized hepatocyte canalicular membranes into phospholipid bilayers using a rapid dilution method. The proteoliposomes formed exhibited both [3H]taurocholate and [3H]leukotriene C4 uptake, which was much higher in the presence of ATP than in the presence of the non-hydrolyzable ATP-analog AdoPP[CH2]P or in the absence of nucleotides. Nucleotide requirement and osmotic sensitivity of [3H]taurocholate transport indicates true transport into the vesicle lumen. Optimized conditions for reconstitution included the addition of a high concentration of an osmolyte (glycerol) and the presence of exogenous phospholipids (0.3%) during solubilization. Highest transport rates were obtained by reconstitution into acetone/ether-precipitated Escherichia coli phospholipid supplemented with 20% cholesterol and by use of octylglucoside concentrations between 30 mM and 50 mM. Taurocholate transport was non-competitively inhibited by vanadate (Ki = 39 microM). The kinetic parameters of cyclosporin A inhibition (Ki = 2.6 microM for taurocholate and 4.3 microM for leukotriene C4 transport) as well as the affinities of taurocholate (Km = 12 microM) and leukotriene C4 (Km = 0.5 microM) in the proteoliposome system indicate that the reconstitution resulted in functionally active transport systems, which are representative of ATP-dependent transport in the intact plasma membrane.