The choroid plexus epithelium is the site of the organic anion transport protein in the brain

The Biosynthesis, Signaling, and Neurological Functions of Bile Acids

Bile acids (BA) are amphipathic steroid acids synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. They act as detergents to expedite the digestion and absorption of dietary lipids and lipophilic vitamins. BA are also considered to be signaling molecules, being ligands of nuclear and cell-surface receptors, including farnesoid X receptor and Takeda G-protein receptor 5. Moreover, BA also activate ion channels, including the bile acid-sensitive ion channel and epithelial Na⁺ channel. BA regulate glucose and lipid metabolism by activating these receptors in peripheral tissues, such as the liver and brown and white adipose tissue. Recently, 20 different BA have been identified in the central nervous system. Furthermore, BA affect the function of neurotransmitter receptors, such as the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and γ-aminobutyric acid receptor. BA are also known to be protective against neurodegeneration. Here, we review recent findings regarding the biosynthesis, signaling, and neurological functions of BA.

Bile Acid Signaling Pathways from the Enterohepatic Circulation to the Central Nervous System

Bile acids are best known as detergents involved in the digestion of lipids. In addition, new data in the last decade have shown that bile acids also function as gut hormones capable of influencing metabolic processes via receptors such as FXR (farnesoid X receptor) and TGR5 (Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5). These effects of bile acids are not restricted to the gastrointestinal tract, but can affect different tissues throughout the organism. It is still unclear whether these effects also involve signaling of bile acids to the central nervous system (CNS). Bile acid signaling to the CNS encompasses both direct and indirect pathways. Bile acids can act directly in the brain via central FXR and TGR5 signaling. In addition, there are two indirect pathways that involve intermediate agents released upon interaction with bile acids receptors in the gut. Activation of intestinal FXR and TGR5 receptors can result in the release of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), both capable of signaling to the CNS. We conclude that when plasma bile acids levels are high all three pathways may contribute in signal transmission to the CNS. However, under normal physiological circumstances, the indirect pathway involving GLP-1 may evoke the most substantial effect in the brain.

SLC and ABC Transporters: Expression, Localization, and Species Differences at the Blood-Brain and the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barriers

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) separate the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the systemic circulation and represent a barrier to the uptake of both endogenous compounds and xenobiotics into the brain. For compounds whose passive diffusion is limited due to their ionization or hydrophilicity, membrane transporters can facilitate their uptake across the BBB or BCSFB. Members of the solute carrier (SLC) and ATP-binding case (ABC) families are present on these barriers. Differences exist in the localization and expression of transport proteins between the BBB and BCSFB, resulting in functional differences in transport properties. This review focuses on the expression, membrane localization, and different isoforms present at each barrier. Diseases that affect the central nervous system including brain tumors, HIV, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke affect the integrity and expression of transporters at the BBB and BCSFB and will be briefly reviewed.

Hepatic alterations are accompanied by changes to bile acid transporter-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus after traumatic brain injury

Annually, there are over 2 million incidents of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and treatment options are non-existent. While many TBI studies have focused on the brain, peripheral contributions involving the digestive and immune systems are emerging as factors involved in the various symptomology associated with TBI. We hypothesized that TBI would alter hepatic function, including bile acid system machinery in the liver and brain. The results show activation of the hepatic acute phase response by 2 hours after TBI, hepatic inflammation by 6 hours after TBI and a decrease in hepatic transcription factors, Gli 1, Gli 2, Gli 3 at 2 and 24 hrs after TBI. Bile acid receptors and transporters were decreased as early as 2 hrs after TBI until at least 24 hrs after TBI. Quantification of bile acid transporter, ASBT-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus, revealed a significant decrease following TBI. These results are the first to show such changes following a TBI, and are compatible with previous studies of the bile acid system in stroke models. The data support the emerging idea of a systemic influence to neurological disorders and point to the need for future studies to better define specific mechanisms of action.

A balanced view of choroid plexus structure and function: Focus on adult humans

Recently tremendous progress has been made in studying choroid plexus (CP) physiology and pathophysiology; and correcting several misconceptions about the CP. Specifically, the details of how CP, a locus of the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB), secretes and purifies CSF, generates intracranial pressure (ICP), maintains CSF ion homeostasis, and provides micronutrients, proteins and hormones for neuronal and glial development, maintenance and function, are being understood on a molecular level. Unequivocal evidence that the CP secretory epithelium is the predominant supplier of CSF for the ventricles comes from multiple lines: uptake kinetics of tracer (22)Na and (36)Cl penetration from blood to CSF, autoradiographic mapping of rapid (22)Na and (36)Cl permeation (high permeability coefficients) into the cerebroventricles, CSF sampling from several different in vivo and in vitro CP preparations, CP hyperplasia that increases CSF formation and ICP; and in vitro analysis of CP ability to transport molecules (with expected directionality) and actively secrete fluid against an hydrostatic fluid column. Furthermore, clinical support for this CP-CSF model comes from neurosurgical procedures to remove lateral ventricle CPs in hydrocephalic children to reduce CSF formation, thereby relieving elevated ICP. In terms of micronutrient transport, ascorbic acid, folate and other essential factors are transported by specific (cloned) carriers across CP into ventricular CSF, from which they penetrate across the ependyma and pia mater deeply into the brain to support its viability and function. Without these choroidal functions, severe neurological disease and even death can occur. In terms of efflux or clearance transport, the active carriers (many of which have been cloned and expressed) in the CP basolateral and apical membranes perform regulatory removal of some metabolites (e.g. choline) and certain drugs (e.g. antibiotics like penicillin) from CSF, thus reducing agents such as penicillin to sub-therapeutic levels. Altogether, these multiple transport and secretory functions in CP support CSF homeostasis and fluid dynamics essential for brain function.

Transporters at CNS barrier sites: obstacles or opportunities for drug delivery?

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (BCSF) barriers are critical determinants of CNS homeostasis. Additionally, the BBB and BCSF barriers are formidable obstacles to effective CNS drug delivery. These brain barrier sites express putative influx and efflux transporters that precisely control permeation of circulating solutes including drugs. The study of transporters has enabled a shift away from "brute force" approaches to delivering drugs by physically circumventing brain barriers towards chemical approaches that can target specific compounds of the BBB and/or BCSF barrier. However, our understanding of transporters at the BBB and BCSF barriers has primarily focused on understanding efflux transporters that efficiently prevent drugs from attaining therapeutic concentrations in the CNS. Recently, through the characterization of multiple endogenously expressed uptake transporters, this paradigm has shifted to the study of brain transporter targets that can facilitate drug delivery (i.e., influx transporters). Additionally, signaling pathways and trafficking mechanisms have been identified for several endogenous BBB/BCSF transporters, thereby offering even more opportunities to understand how transporters can be exploited for optimization of CNS drug delivery. This review presents an overview of the BBB and BCSF barrier as well as the many families of transporters functionally expressed at these barrier sites. Furthermore, we present an overview of various strategies that have been designed and utilized to deliver therapeutic agents to the brain with a particular emphasis on those approaches that directly target endogenous BBB/BCSF barrier transporters.

Localization of copper and copper transporters in the human brain

Disturbances in brain copper result in rare and severe neurological disorders and may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Our current understanding of mammalian brain copper transport is based on model systems outside the central nervous system and no data are available regarding copper transport systems in the human brain. To address this deficit, we quantified regional copper concentrations and examined the distribution and cellular localization of the copper transport proteins Copper transporter 1, Atox1, ATP7A, and ATP7B in multiple regions of the human brain using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. We identified significant relationships between copper transporter levels and brain copper concentrations, supporting a role for these proteins in copper transport in the human brain. Interestingly, the substantia nigra contained twice as much copper than that in other brain regions, suggesting an important role for copper in this brain region. Furthermore, ATP7A levels were significantly greater in the cerebellum, compared with other brain regions, supporting an important role for ATP7A in cerebellar neuronal health. This study provides novel data regarding copper regulation in the human brain, critical to understand the mechanisms by which brain copper levels can be altered, leading to neurological disease.

Traumatic brain injury and recovery mechanisms: peptide modulation of periventricular neurogenic regions by the choroid plexus-CSF nexus

In traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe disruptions occur in the choroid plexus (CP)-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nexus that destabilize the nearby hippocampal and subventricular neurogenic regions. Following invasive and non-invasive injuries to cortex, several adverse sequelae harm the brain interior: (i) structural damage to CP epithelium that opens the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) to protein, (ii) altered CSF dynamics and intracranial pressure (ICP), (iii) augmentation of leukocyte traffic across CP into the CSF-brain, (iv) reduction in CSF sink action and clearance of debris from ventricles, and (v) less efficient provision of micronutritional and hormonal support for the CNS. However, gradual post-TBI restitution of the injured CP epithelium and ependyma, and CSF homeostatic mechanisms, help to restore subventricular/subgranular neurogenesis and the cognitive abilities diminished by CNS damage. Recovery from TBI is facilitated by upregulated choroidal/ependymal growth factors and neurotrophins, and their secretion into ventricular CSF. There, by an endocrine-like mechanism, CSF bulk flow convects the neuropeptides to target cells in injured cortex for aiding repair processes; and to neurogenic niches for enhancing conversion of stem cells to new neurons. In the recovery from TBI and associated ischemia, the modulating neuropeptides include FGF2, EGF, VEGF, NGF, IGF, GDNF, BDNF, and PACAP. Homeostatic correction of TBI-induced neuropathology can be accelerated or amplified by exogenously boosting the CSF concentration of these growth factors and neurotrophins. Such intraventricular supplementation via the CSF route promotes neural restoration through enhanced neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and neuroprotective effects. CSF translational research presents opportunities that involve CP and ependymal manipulations to expedite recovery from TBI.

The distributional nexus of choroid plexus to cerebrospinal fluid, ependyma and brain: toxicologic/pathologic phenomena, periventricular destabilization, and lesion spread

Bordering the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are epithelial cells of choroid plexus (CP), ependyma and circumventricular organs (CVOs) that contain homeostatic transporters for mediating secretion/reabsorption. The distributional pathway ("nexus") of CP-CSF-ependyma-brain furnishes peptides, hormones, and micronutrients to periventricular regions. In disease/toxicity, this nexus becomes a conduit for infectious and xenobiotic agents. The sleeping sickness trypanosome (a protozoan) disrupts CP and downstream CSF-brain. Piperamide is anti-trypanosomic but distorts CP epithelial ultrastructure by engendering hydropic vacuoles; this reflects phospholipidosis and altered lysosomal metabolism. CP swelling by vacuolation may occlude CSF flow. Toxic drug tools delineate injuries to choroidal compartments: cyclophosphamide (vasculature), methylcellulose (interstitium), and piperazine (epithelium). Structurally perturbed CP allows solutes to penetrate the ventricles. There, CSF-borne pathogens and xenobiotics may permeate the ependyma to harm neurogenic stem cell niches. Amoscanate, an anti-helmintic, potently injures rodent ependyma. Ependymal/brain regions near CP are vulnerable to CSF-borne toxicants; this proximity factor links regional barrier breakdown to nearby periventricular pathology. Diverse diseases (e.g., African sleeping sickness, multiple sclerosis) take early root in choroidal, circumventricular, or perivascular loci. Toxicokinetics informs on pathogen, anti-parasitic agent, and auto-antibody distribution along the CSF nexus. CVOs are susceptible to plasma-borne toxicants/pathogens. Countering the physico-chemical and pathogenic insults to the homeostasis-mediating ventricle-bordering cells sustains brain health and fluid balance.

Xenobiotic, bile acid, and cholesterol transporters: function and regulation

Transporters influence the disposition of chemicals within the body by participating in absorption, distribution, and elimination. Transporters of the solute carrier family (SLC) comprise a variety of proteins, including organic cation transporters (OCT) 1 to 3, organic cation/carnitine transporters (OCTN) 1 to 3, organic anion transporters (OAT) 1 to 7, various organic anion transporting polypeptide isoforms, sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter, peptide transporters (PEPT) 1 and 2, concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNT) 1 to 3, equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) 1 to 3, and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporters (MATE) 1 and 2, which mediate the uptake (except MATEs) of organic anions and cations as well as peptides and nucleosides. Efflux transporters of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily, such as ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), multidrug resistance proteins (MDR) 1 and 2, bile salt export pump, multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRP) 1 to 9, breast cancer resistance protein, and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G members 5 and 8, are responsible for the unidirectional export of endogenous and exogenous substances. Other efflux transporters [ATPase copper-transporting beta polypeptide (ATP7B) and ATPase class I type 8B member 1 (ATP8B1) as well as organic solute transporters (OST) alpha and beta] also play major roles in the transport of some endogenous chemicals across biological membranes. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of these transporters (both rodent and human) with regard to tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and substrate preferences. Because uptake and efflux transporters are expressed in multiple cell types, the roles of transporters in a variety of tissues, including the liver, kidneys, intestine, brain, heart, placenta, mammary glands, immune cells, and testes are discussed. Attention is also placed upon a variety of regulatory factors that influence transporter expression and function, including transcriptional activation and post-translational modifications as well as subcellular trafficking. Sex differences, ontogeny, and pharmacological and toxicological regulation of transporters are also addressed. Transporters are important transmembrane proteins that mediate the cellular entry and exit of a wide range of substrates throughout the body and thereby play important roles in human physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and toxicology.

Thyroid hormone transporters in the brain

Thyroid hormone plays an essential role in proper mammalian development of the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Lack of sufficient thyroid hormone results in abnormal development of virtually all organ systems, a syndrome termed cretinism. In particular, hypothyroidism in the neonatal period causes serious damage to neural cells and leads to mental retardation. Although thyroxine is the major product secreted by the thyroid follicular cells, the action of thyroid hormone is mediated mainly through the deiodination of T(4) to the biologically active form 3,3', 5-triiodo-L-thyronine, followed by the binding of T(3) to a specific nuclear receptor. Before reaching the intracellular targets, thyroid hormone must cross the plasma membrane. Because of the lipophilic nature of thyroid hormone, it was thought that they traversed the plasma membrane by simple diffusion. However, in the past decade, a membrane transport system for thyroid hormone has been postulated to exist in various tissues. Several classes of transporters, organic anion transporter polypeptide (oatp) family, Na(+)/Taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (ntcp) and amino acid transporters have been reported to transport thyroid hormones. Monocarboxylate transporter8 (MCT8) has recently been identified as an active and specific thyroid hormone transporter. Mutations in MCT8 are associated with severe X-linked psycomotor retardation and strongly elevated serum T3 levels in young male patients. Several other molecules should be contributed to exert the role of thyroid hormone in the central nervous system.

Thyroxine (T4) transfer from CSF to choroid plexus and ventricular brain regions in rabbit: contributory role of P-glycoprotein and organic anion transporting polypeptides

This study investigated the transfer of T4 from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the choroid plexuses (CP) and ventricular brain regions, and the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance protein 1 (mrp1) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (oatps). During in vivo ventriculo-cisternal (V-C) perfusion in the anesthetized rabbit (meditomidine hydrochloride 0.5 mg kg(-1), pentobarbitone 10 mg kg(-1) i.v.), 125I-T4 was perfused continuously into ventricular CSF with reference molecules 14C-mannitol and blue dextran. Over 2 h, 36.9+/-4.6% 125I-T4 was recovered in cisternal CSF. Addition of P-gp substrate verapamil increased CSF 125I-T4 recovery to 51.4+/-2.8%, although mrp1 and oatp substrates had no significant effect. In brain, 125I-T4 showed greatest accumulation in the CP (1.52+/-0.31 ml g(-1)), followed by ventricular regions (caudate putamen, ependyma, hippocampus, 0.05-0.14 ml g(-1)). At the CP, verapamil and probenecid (but not indomethacin) significantly increased 125I-T4 accumulation, implicating a role for P-gp and oatps. Of other brain regions, all three drugs increased accumulation in caudate putamen 3-5 times, and indomethacin and probenecid increased accumulation in ependyma 4-5 times. The role of P-gp was investigated further in isolated incubated CPs using 5 microg/ml C219 anti-P-gp antibody. Both 125I-T4 and 3H-cyclosporin accumulation increased by 80%, suggesting that P-gp is functional in the CP and has a role in removal of T4. Combined with the in vivo results, these studies suggest that P-gp provides a local homeostatic mechanism, maintaining CSF T4 levels. We conclude that P-gp and oatps contribute to the transfer of 125I-T4 between the CSF, CP and brain, hence regulating 125I-T4 availability in CSF.

The role of membrane transporters in drug delivery to brain tumors

Most brain tumors are highly resistant to chemotherapy because many chemotherapeutic drugs poorly cross the blood-brain barrier, the blood-cerebrospinal-fluid barrier, and the plasma membrane of the tumor cells. This restricted drug delivery is largely due to the presence of integral plasma membrane proteins belonging to the solute carriers (SLCs) and to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of transporters that decisively determine substance uptake and efflux, respectively, by the barrier-forming cells and the tumor cells. This review focuses on the localization and function of drug-transporting members of both transporter groups in human brain.

Organic anion-transporting polypeptides at the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers

Organic anion-transporting polypeptides (Oatps) are solute carrier family members that exhibit marked evolutionary conservation. Mammalian Oatps exhibit wide tissue expression with an emphasis on expression in barrier cells. In the brain, Oatps are expressed in the blood-brain barrier endothelial cells and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier epithelial cells. This expression profile serves to illustrate a central role for Oatps in transporting endo- and xenobiotics across brain barrier cells. This chapter will detail the expression patterns and substrate specificities of Oatps expressed in the brain, and will place special emphases on the role of Oatps in prostaglandin synthesis and in the transport of conjugated endobiotics.

Rat organic anion transporting protein 1A1 (Oatp1a1): purification and phosphopeptide assignment

Rat organic anion transporting protein 1a1 (oatp1a1), a hepatocyte basolateral plasma membrane protein, mediates transport of various amphipathic compounds. Our previous studies indicated that serine phosphorylation of a single tryptic peptide inhibits its transport activity without changing its cell surface content. The site of phosphorylation is unknown and was the subject of the present study. Following immunoaffinity chromatographic purification from rat liver, oatp1a1 was subjected to trypsin digestion and MALDI-TOF. Except for predicted N-glycosylated peptides, 97% of oatp1a1 tryptic peptides were observed. A single tryptic phosphopeptide was found in the C-terminus (aa 626-647), existing in unphosphorylated or singly or doubly phosphorylated forms and sensitive to alkaline phosphatase treatment. The beta-elimination reaction resulted in a mass loss of 98 or 196 Da from this peptide, and subsequent Michael addition with cysteamine increased masses by the predicated 77 and 154 Da, indicating that oatp1a1 can be singly or doubly phosphorylated at serine or threonine residues in the C-terminal sequence SSATDHT (aa 634-640). Subsequent tandem MS/MS analysis revealed that phosphorylation at S634 accounted for all singly phosphorylated peptide, while phosphorylation at S634 and S635 accounted for all doubly phosphorylated peptide. These findings identify the site of oatp1a1 phosphorylation and demonstrate that it is an ordered process, in which phosphorylation at S634 precedes that at S635. The mechanism by which phosphorylation results in loss of transport activity in hepatocytes remains to be established. Whether phosphorylation near the C-terminus inhibits C-terminal oligomerization of oatp1a1, required for normal transport function, can be speculated upon but is as yet unknown.

CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSPORT PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN (MRP) 2-DEFICIENT RATS

Multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 2-deficient transport-deficient (TR(-)) rats, together with their transport-competent Wistar counterparts (wild type), have been used to examine the contribution of Mrp2 to drug disposition. However, little is known about potential variation in expression of other transport proteins between TR(-) and wild-type rats or whether these differences are tissue-specific. Sections of liver, kidney, brain, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon were obtained from male TR(-) and wild-type Wistar rats. Samples were homogenized in protease inhibitor cocktail and ultracentrifuged at 100,000g for 30 min to obtain membrane fractions. Mrp2, Mrp3, Mrp4, P-glycoprotein, sodium-dependent taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, organic anion transporting polypeptides 1a1 and 1a4, bile salt export pump, breast cancer resistance protein, ileal bile acid transporter, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1a), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and beta-actin protein expression were determined by Western blot. Mrp3 was significantly up-regulated in the liver ( approximately 6-fold) and kidney ( approximately 3.5-fold) of TR(-) rats compared with wild-type controls. Likewise, the expression of UGT1a enzymes was increased in the liver and kidney of TR(-) rats by approximately 3.5- and approximately 5.5-fold, respectively. Interestingly, Mrp3 expression was down-regulated in the small intestine of TR(-) rats, but expression was similar to wild type in the colon. Mrp4 was expressed to varying extents along the intestine. Expression of some transport proteins and UGT1a enzymes differ significantly between TR(-) and wild-type rats. Therefore, altered drug disposition in TR(-) rats must be interpreted cautiously because up- or down-regulation of other transport proteins may play compensatory roles in the presence of Mrp2 deficiency.

Interaction with PDZK1 is required for expression of organic anion transporting protein 1A1 on the hepatocyte surface

Although many organic anion transport protein (Oatp) family members have PDZ consensus binding sites at their C termini, the functional significance is unknown. In the present study, we utilized rat Oatp1a1 (NM_017111) as a prototypical member of this family to examine the mechanism governing its subcellular trafficking. A peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 16 amino acids of rat Oatp1a1 was used to affinity-isolate interacting proteins from rat liver cytosol. Protein mass fingerprinting identified PDZK1 as the major interacting protein. This was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of an Oatp1a1-PDZK1 complex from cotransfected 293T cells as well as from native rat liver membrane extracts. Oatp1a1 bound predominantly to the first and third PDZ binding domains of PDZK1, whereas the high density lipoprotein receptor, scavenger receptor B type I binds to the first domain. Although it is possible that PDZK1 forms a complex with these two integral membrane proteins, this did not occur, suggesting that as yet undescribed factors lead to selectivity in the interaction of these protein ligands with PDZK1. Oatp1a1 protein expression was near normal in PDZK1 knock-out mouse liver. However, it was located predominantly in intracellular structures, in contrast to its normal basolateral plasma membrane distribution. Plasma disappearance of the Oatp1a1 ligand [35S]sulfobromophthalein was correspondingly delayed in knock-out mice. These studies show a critical role for oligomerization of Oatp1a1 with PDZK1 for its proper subcellular localization and function. Because its ability to transport substances into the cell requires surface expression, this must be considered in any assessment of physiologic function.

The Role of P-Glycoprotein and Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptides in Drug Interactions

The use of polytherapy in clinical practice necessitates an appreciation and understanding of the potential for drug interactions. Recent publications provide insight into the role of the active transport systems P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and human organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs) in drug interactions. Active drug transporters influence the bioavailability of a number of drugs by controlling their movement into, and out of, cells. The active transport systems P-gp and OATP play an important role in drug elimination. The activity of these transport systems is controlled, in part, by genetic factors; however, drugs and foods also influence the activity of these systems. It appears that interference with P-gp or OATP, either as upregulation or inhibition, may affect plasma drug concentrations by altering intestinal absorption, proximal renal-tubular excretion or biliary excretion. Overall, the net bioavailability of a drug or substance is affected by the relative contributions of cellular efflux (P-gp) and influx (OATP) mechanisms and to what extent these systems are active during phases of uptake and absorption versus removal and excretion from the body. Many of the drugs and foods that affect active drug transport activity are known to interact with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system; therefore, the net effect of concomitant drug administration is complex. One must now consider the impact of metabolism (CYP-mediated drug biotransformation), P-gp-mediated drug efflux and OATP-mediated uptake when making assessments of drug absorption and distribution.

The organic anion transporter (OATP) family

In the last decade, many organic anion transporters have been isolated, characterized their distribution and substrates. The recently identified organic anion transporter family OATP (organic anion transporting polypeptide)/LST (liver-specific transporter) family, transport bile acids, hormones as well as eicosanoids, various compounds (BSP, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, etc.). The isolation of the family revealed that not only hydrophilic compounds, drugs and hormones of lipophilic nature need a membrane transport system to penetrate cell membrane. In this family, the nomenclature becomes very complicated and the physiological role of this family is still unclear except about few organs such as the brain, liver and kidney. Even in such organs, the co-existence of the OATP/LST family and similar substrate specificity hamper the progress and clear characterization identifying the real role of the transporter family. Here, recent progress and an insight of this field are reviewed.

Pharmacogenomics of the OATP and OAT families

Drug disposition is highly dependent on the interplay between drug metabolism and transport in organs such as the intestine, kidney, and liver. Genetically determined variation in drug transporter function or expression is now increasingly recognized to have a significant role as a determinant of intersubject variability in drug response. Similar to the discoveries of functional genetic variations in drug efflux transporters, such as multi-drug resistance proteins 1 and 2, there have been considerable advances in the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in transporters that facilitate cellular drug uptake. Among the uptake transporters, members of the organic anion-transporting polypeptides and organic anion transporters can mediate the cellular uptake of a large number of structurally divergent compounds. Accordingly, functionally relevant polymorphisms in these transporters may contribute to interindividual and interethnic variability in drug disposition and response. In this review, recent progress relating to pharmacogenomics of organic anion transporters will be outlined along with a compilation of currently known genetic polymorphisms.

Organic anion transport in choroid plexus from wild-type and organic anion transporter 3 (Slc22a8)-null mice

The choroid plexus actively transports endogenous, xenobiotic, and therapeutic compounds from cerebrospinal fluid to blood, thereby limiting their exposure to the central nervous system (CNS). Establishing the mechanisms responsible for this transport is critical to our understanding of basic choroid plexus physiology and will likely impact drug targeting to the CNS. We recently generated an organic anion transporter 3- (Oat3)-null mouse, which exhibited loss of PAH, estrone sulfate, and taurocholate transport in kidney and of fluorescein (FL) transport in choroid plexus. Here, we measured the uptake of four Oat3 substrates by choroid plexus from wild-type and Oat3-null mice to establish 1) the contribution of Oat3 to the apical uptake of each substrate and 2) the Na dependence of transport by Oat3 in the intact tissue. Mediated transport of PAH and FL was essentially abolished in tissue from Oat3-null mice. In contrast, only a 33% reduction in estrone sulfate uptake was observed in tissue from Oat3-null mice and, surprisingly, no reduction in taurocholate uptake could be detected. For PAH, FL, and estrone sulfate, all Oat3-mediated transport was Na dependent. However, estrone sulfate and taurocholate also exhibited additional mediated and Na-dependent components of uptake that were not attributed to Oat3, demonstrating the complexity of organic anion transport in this tissue and the need for further examination of expressed transporters and their energetics.

How does the benzamide antipsychotic amisulpride get into the brain?--An in vitro approach comparing amisulpride with clozapine

This study evaluated the disposition of the two atypical antipsychotics, amisulpride (AMS) and clozapine (CLZ), and its main metabolite N-desmethylclozapine (DCLZ), to their target structures in the central nervous system by applying an in vitro blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier based on monolayers of porcine brain microvessel endothelial cells (PMEC) or porcine choroid plexus epithelial cells (PCEC). Permeation studies through PMEC- and PCEC-monolayers were conducted for 60 min at drug concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 30 muM applied to the donor compartment. PMEC were almost impermeable for AMS (permeation coefficient, P<1 x 10(-7) cm/s) in the resorptive direction, whereas transport in the secretory direction was observed with a P (+/-SD) of 5.2+/-3.6 x 10(-6) cm/s. The resorptive P of CLZ and DCLZ were 2.3+/-1.2 x 10(-4) and 9.6+/-5.0 x 10(-5) cm/s, respectively. For the permeation across PCEC in the resorptive direction, a P of 1.7+/-2.5 x 10(-6) cm/s was found for AMS and a P of 1.6+/-0.9 x 10(-4) and 2.3+/-1.3 x 10(-5) cm/s was calculated for CLZ and DCLZ, respectively. Both, CLZ and DCLZ, could easily pass both barriers with about a five-fold higher permeation rate of CLZ at the PCEC. The permeation of AMS across the BBB was restricted partly due to an efflux transport. It is thus suggested that AMS reaches its target structures via transport across the blood-CSF barrier.

Blood-brain barrier efflux transport

Efflux transport at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the brain tissue exposure to a variety of potential therapeutic agents, including compounds that are relatively lipophilic and would be predicted to permeate the endothelial lining of the brain microvasculature. Recent advances in molecular and cell biology have led to identification of several specific transport systems at the blood-brain interface. Refinement of classical pharmacokinetic experimentation has allowed assessment of the structural specificity of transporters, the impact of efflux transport on brain tissue exposure, and the potential for drug-drug interactions at the level of BBB efflux transport. The objective of this minireview is to summarize efflux transporter characteristics (location, specificity, and potential inhibition) for transport systems identified in the BBB. A variety of experimental approaches available to ascertain or predict the impact of efflux transport on net brain tissue uptake of substrates also are presented. The potential impact of efflux transport on the pharmacodynamics of agents acting in the central nervous system are illustrated. Finally, general issues regarding the role of identifying efflux transport as part of the drug development process are discussed.

Characterization of mapacalcine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels in rat kidney

Mapacalcine receptors have been found to be associated with a Ca(2+) permeability insensitive to all known calcium blockers. Recently, high densities of mapacalcine receptors have been detected in the choroid plexus of rat brain. To determine a possible role for these channels, we have investigated their presence on other structures which, like choroid plexus, are involved in the secretion of biological fluids. Our data demonstrate that there are specific mapacalcine receptors on kidney membranes and glomeruli preparations. The mapacalcine receptors were present in all structures of the kidney. However, autoradiographic data demonstrated that superficial part of the cortex was more labeled than the other part of the kidney. These data would suggest that mapacalcine receptors could play a role in calcium homeostasis.

Expression and functional involvement of organic anion transporting polypeptide subtype 3 (Slc21a7) in rat choroid plexus

PURPOSE

It has been shown that transport(s) are involved in the uptake of estradiol 17beta glucuronide (E217betaG) by the choroid plexus (CP). The purpose of this study is to compare the substrate specificity of the transporter in the CP with those of rat organic anion transporting polypeptide 1 (rOatp1) and rOatp3.

METHODS

The expression of rOatp1 and rOatp3 in rat CP was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The substrate specificity of rOatp1 and rOatp3 was compared using cDNA-transfected LLC-PK1 cells. The uptake of E217betaG by rat isolated CP was determined by centrifugal filtration technique.

RESULTS

PCR analyses demonstrated that the mRNA expression of rOatp3 was abundant in the CP, whereas that of rOatp1 was low. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that rOatp3 is expressed on the apical membrane of the CP. Kinetic parameters (Km and Ki values) of rOatp3 were similar to those for rOatp1. The results of mutual inhibition study suggest that E217betaG and taurocholate share the same mechanism in the CP. Corticosterone, estrone-3-sulfate and indomethacin are moderate inhibitors, but no effects by digoxin, p-aminohippurate, benzylpenicillin and cimetidine were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

rOatp3 is most possible candidate transporter involved in the uptake of organic anions on the brush border membrane of the choroid epithelial cells.

Bile salt transporters: molecular characterization, function, and regulation

Molecular medicine has led to rapid advances in the characterization of hepatobiliary transport systems that determine the uptake and excretion of bile salts and other biliary constituents in the liver and extrahepatic tissues. The bile salt pool undergoes an enterohepatic circulation that is regulated by distinct bile salt transport proteins, including the canalicular bile salt export pump BSEP (ABCB11), the ileal Na(+)-dependent bile salt transporter ISBT (SLC10A2), and the hepatic sinusoidal Na(+)- taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide NTCP (SLC10A1). Other bile salt transporters include the organic anion transporting polypeptides OATPs (SLC21A) and the multidrug resistance-associated proteins 2 and 3 MRP2,3 (ABCC2,3). Bile salt transporters are also present in cholangiocytes, the renal proximal tubule, and the placenta. Expression of these transport proteins is regulated by both transcriptional and posttranscriptional events, with the former involving nuclear hormone receptors where bile salts function as specific ligands. During bile secretory failure (cholestasis), bile salt transport proteins undergo adaptive responses that serve to protect the liver from bile salt retention and which facilitate extrahepatic routes of bile salt excretion. This review is a comprehensive summary of current knowledge of the molecular characterization, function, and regulation of bile salt transporters in normal physiology and in cholestatic liver disease and liver regeneration.

In vitro study of the functional expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide 3 at rat choroid plexus epithelial cells and its involvement in the cerebrospinal fluid-to-blood transport of estrone-3-sulfate

The cerebrospinal fluid-to-blood efflux transport of estrone-3-sulfate (E(1)S) via the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) may play an important role in regulating E(1)S levels in the brain. Here, we investigated the efflux transport of E(1)S at the BCSFB using conditionally immortalized rat choroid plexus epithelial cells (TR-CSFB) and identified the responsible transporter. The [(3)H]E(1)S uptake by TR-CSFB cells was composed of saturable and nonsaturable components, and the K(m) and V(max) values of the saturable component were determined to be 16.8 +/- 5.1 microM and 12.3 +/- 2.3 pmol/min/mg of protein, respectively. [(3)H]E(1)S uptake was inhibited by probenecid, cholate, taurocholate, sulfobromophthalein, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, triiodothyronine, thyroxin, and digoxin but not by p-aminohippuric acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, or methotrexate, suggesting the involvement of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp) in the uptake. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that oatp3 was expressed in TR-CSFB cells and isolated rat choroid plexus, although oatp1 was not detected in either. Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing oatp3 exhibited [(3)H]E(1)S uptake activity with a K(m) of 8.09 +/- 2.83 microM and V(max) of 8.02 +/- 0.87 pmol/h/oocyte. Moreover, oatp3 is localized at the brush-border membrane of choroid plexus epithelial cells. These results suggest that oatp3 is involved in the E(1)S efflux transport at the BCSFB.

Drug efflux transporters in the CNS

The central nervous system (CNS) contains important cellular barriers that maintain homeostasis by protecting the brain from circulating toxins and through the elimination of toxic metabolites generated in the brain. The barriers that limit the concentration of toxins and xenobiotics in the interstitial fluids of the CNS are the capillary endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the epithelial cells of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). Both of these barriers have cellular tight junctions and express transport systems which serve to actively transport nutrients into the brain, and actively efflux toxic metabolites and xenobiotics out of the brain. This review will focus on the expression and function of selected drug efflux transporters in these two barriers, specifically the multidrug resistance transporter, p-glycoprotein, and various organic anion transporters, such as multidrug resistance-associated proteins, organic anion transporter polypeptides, and organic anion transporters. These transport systems are increasingly recognized as important determinants of drug distribution to, and elimination from, different compartments of the CNS. Consequences of drug efflux transporters in barriers of the CNS include limiting the distribution of substrates that are beneficial to treat CNS diseases, and increasing the possibility of drug-drug interactions that may lead to untoward toxicities. Therefore, the study of these transporters is important in examining the various determinants of drug delivery to the CNS.

The superfamily of organic anion transporting polypeptides

Organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatps/OATPs) form a growing gene superfamily and mediate transport of a wide spectrum of amphipathic organic solutes. Different Oatps/OATPs have partially overlapping and partially distinct substrate preferences for organic solutes such as bile salts, steroid conjugates, thyroid hormones, anionic oligopeptides, drugs, toxins and other xenobiotics. While some Oatps/OATPs are preferentially or even selectively expressed in one tissue such as the liver, others are expressed in multiple organs including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), choroid plexus, lung, heart, intestine, kidney, placenta and testis. This review summarizes the actual state of the rapidly expanding OATP superfamily and covers the structural properties, the genomic classification, the phylogenetic relationships and the functional transport characteristics. In addition, we propose a new species independent and open ended nomenclature and classification system, which is based on divergent evolution and agrees with the guidelines of the Human Genome Nomenclature Committee.

Expression of Human Organic Anion Transporters in the Choroid Plexus and Their Interactions With Neurotransmitter Metabolites

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the expression of human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1) and hOAT3 in the choroid plexus of the human brain and their interactions with neurotransmitter metabolites using stable cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that hOAT1 and hOAT3 are expressed in the cytoplasmic membrane and cytoplasm of human choroid plexus. Neurotransmitter metabolites, namely, 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-MI-3-AA), homovanillic acid (HVA), vanilmandelic acid (VMA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HI-3-AA), N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (NA-5-HTT), melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MTT), 3,4-dihidroxymandelic acid (DHMA), 5-hydroxytryptophol, and 5-methoxytryptophol (5-MTP), but not methanephrine (MN), normethanephrine (NMN), and 3-methyltyramine (3-MT), at 2 mM, inhibited para-aminohippuric acid uptake mediated by hOAT1. On the other hand, melatonin, 5-MI-3-AA, NA-5-HTT, 5-MTT, 5-MTP, HVA, 5-HI-3-AA, VMA, DOPAC, 5-hydroxytryptophol, and MN, but not 3-MT, DHMA, and NMN, at 2 mM, inhibited estrone sulfate uptake mediated by hOAT3. Differences in the IC(50) values between hOAT1 and hOAT3 were observed for DHMA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HI-3-AA, melatonin, 5-MI-3-AA, 5-MTP, 5-MTT, and VMA. HOAT1 and hOAT3 mediated the transport of VMA but not HVA and melatonin. These results suggest that hOAT1 and hOAT3 are involved in the efflux of various neurotransmitter metabolites from the cerebrospinal fluid to the blood across the choroid plexus.

Pharmacogenomics of organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATP)

The organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATP) represent a family of proteins responsible for the membrane transport of a large number of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds with diverse chemical characteristics. OATPs are expressed in liver, kidney, brain and intestine suggesting that they may play a critical role in drug disposition. Naturally occurring polymorphisms in OATPs are currently being identified and for some, in vitro transport activities have been characterized. In this article, we review the molecular, biochemical and pharmacological aspects of known human OATPs including the presence and functional relevance of genetic polymorphisms.

Considerations in the use of cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics to predict brain target concentrations in the clinical setting: implications of the barriers between blood and brain

In the clinical setting, drug concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are sometimes used as a surrogate for drug concentrations at the target site within the brain. However, the brain consists of multiple compartments and many factors are involved in the transport of drugs from plasma into the brain and the distribution within the brain. In particular, active transport processes at the level of the blood-brain barrier and blood-CSF barrier, such as those mediated by P-glycoprotein, may lead to complex relationships between concentrations in plasma, ventricular and lumbar CSF, and other brain compartments. Therefore, CSF concentrations may be difficult to interpret and may have limited value. Pharmacokinetic data obtained by intracerebral microdialysis monitoring may be used instead, providing more valuable information. As non-invasive alternative techniques, positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be of added value.

Impaired organic anion transport in kidney and choroid plexus of organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3 (Slc22a8)) knockout mice

To begin to develop in vivo model systems for the assessment of the contributions of specific organic anion transporter (OAT) family members to detoxification, development, and disease, we carried out a targeted disruption of the murine organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3) gene. Surviving Oat3(-/-) animals appear healthy, are fertile, and do not exhibit any gross morphological tissue abnormalities. No Oat3 mRNA expression was detected in kidney, liver, or choroid plexus (CP) of Oat3(-/-) mice. A distinct phenotype manifested by a substantial loss of organic anion transport capacity in kidney and CP was identified. Uptake sensitive to inhibition by bromosulfophthalein or probenecid was observed for taurocholate, estrone sulfate, and para-aminohippurate in renal slices from wild-type mice, whereas in Oat3(-/-) animals transport of these substances was greatly reduced. No discernable differences in uptake were observed between hepatic slices from wild-type and Oat3(-/-) littermates, suggesting Oat3 does not play a major role in hepatic organic anion uptake. Cellular accumulation of fluorescein was reduced by approximately 75% in CP from Oat3(-/-) mice. However, capillary accumulation of fluorescein-methotrexate was unchanged, indicating the effects of Oat3 loss are restricted to the entry step and that Oat3 is localized to the apical membrane of CP. These data indicate a key role for Oat3 in systemic detoxification and in control of the organic anion distribution in cerebrospinal fluid.

Thyroid hormone transporters: recent advances

Thyroid hormones, being hydrophobic, were thought to enter target cell membranes by passive diffusion. However, recent studies have documented the existence of numerous organic anion transport systems, about half of which also transport thyroid hormones into (and possibly out of) a variety of target cells. Several of the genes encoding thyroid hormone transporters have been characterized by means of molecular approaches. Here, we discuss the classification of thyroid hormone transporters, with emphasis on how they are influenced by their ionic milieu and what their symported organic anions are.

The impact of efflux transporters in the brain on the development of drugs for CNS disorders

The development of drugs to treat disorders of the CNS requires consideration of achievable brain concentrations. Factors that influence the brain concentrations of drugs include the rate of transport into the brain across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), metabolic stability of the drug, and active transport out of the brain by efflux mechanisms. To date, three classes of transporter have been implicated in the efflux of drugs from the brain: multidrug resistance transporters, monocarboxylic acid transporters, and organic ion transporters. Each of the three classes comprises multiple transporters, each of which has multiple substrates, and the combined substrate profile of these transporters includes a large number of commonly used drugs. This system of transporters may therefore provide a mechanism through which the penetration of CNS-targeted drugs into the brain is effectively minimised. The action of these efflux transporters at the BBB may be reflected in the clinic as the minimal effectiveness of drugs targeted at CNS disorders, including HIV dementia, epilepsy, CNS-based pain, meningitis and brain cancers. Therefore, modulation of these efflux transporters by design of inhibitors and/or design of compounds that have minimal affinity for these transporters may well enhance the treatment of intractable CNS disorders.

Bile salt transporters

Bile salts are the major organic solutes in bile and undergo extensive enterohepatic circulation. Hepatocellular bile salt uptake is mediated predominantly by the Na(+)-taurocholate cotransport proteins Ntcp (rodents) and NTCP (humans) and by the Na(+)-independent organic anion-transporting polypeptides Oatp1, Oatp2, and Oatp4 (rodents) and OATP-C (humans). After diffusion (bound by intracellular bile salt-binding proteins) to the canalicular membrane, monoanionic bile salts are secreted into bile canaliculi by the bile salt export pump Bsep (rodents) or BSEP (humans). Both belong to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. Dianionic conjugated bile salts are secreted into bile by the multidrug-resistance-associated proteins Mrp2/MRP2. In bile ductules, a minor portion of protonated bile acids and monomeric bile salts are reabsorbed by non-ionic diffusion and the apical sodium-dependent bile salt transporter Asbt/ASBT, transported back into the periductular capillary plexus by Mrp3/MRP3 [and/or a truncated form of Asbt (tAsbt)], and subjected to cholehepatic shunting. The major portion of biliary bile salts is aggregated into mixed micelles and transported into the intestine, where they are reabsorbed by apical Oatp3, the apical sodium-dependent bile salt transporter (ASBT), cytosolic intestinal bile acid-binding protein (IBABP), and basolateral Mrp3/MRP3 and tAsbt. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of these enterohepatic bile salt transporters is closely related to the regulation of lipid and cholesterol homeostasis. Furthermore, defective expression and function of bile salt transporters have been recognized as important causes for various cholestatic liver diseases.

Expression and functional characterization of rat organic anion transporter 3 (rOat3) in the choroid plexus

We reported previously that an efficient efflux system for benzylpenicillin (PCG) is located on the choroid plexus (CP). In this study, we investigated the involvement of rat organic anion transporter 1 (rOat1; Slc22a6) and rOat3 (Slc22a8) in the uptake of PCG and p-aminohippurate (PAH) by the CP. Western blot analysis indicates the expression of rOat3, but not rOat1, on the CP, and immunohistochemical staining shows that rOat3 is localized on the brush border membrane of the choroid epithelial cells. PCG and PAH were found to be taken up by isolated rat CP, with K(m) values of 111 and 354 microM, respectively. A mutual inhibition study suggests that the same transporter is responsible for the uptake of PCG and PAH by isolated rat CP. This was confirmed by examining the effect of organic anions and cimetidine on their uptake. Estradiol-17beta-glucuronide and cimetidine were found to be selective inhibitors of rOat3. The inhibition constants of the inhibitors including estradiol-17beta-glucuronide and cimetidine were comparable for the uptake of PAH and PCG by isolated rat CP. In addition, these values were also comparable with those for rOat3, but not with those for rOat1. These results suggest that rOat3 is mainly responsible for the uptake of PCG and PAH by isolated rat CP, and it functions as one of the detoxification systems on the CP by removing its substrates from the cerebrospinal fluid.

Role of transporters in the tissue-selective distribution and elimination of drugs: transporters in the liver, small intestine, brain and kidney

Cumulative studies have revealed the importance of transporters in drug disposition in the body. Recently, organic anion transporters such as organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs), organic anion transporters (OATs) and multidrug resistance associated proteins (MRPs) have been identified. Their broad substrate specificity as well as the multiplicity of transporter gene products make these transporters suitable detoxification systems in the body. OATPs and OATs are responsible for the hepatic and renal uptake of organic anions, respectively, while MRP2 is a major transporter involved in the biliary excretion of organic anions. OATPs and MRP2 are involved in the hepatobiliary transport of pravastatin and temocaprilat. These are good examples of hepatobiliary transport maximizing their pharmacological effects, but minimizing their side-effects. Taking into consideration tissue-selective expression and substrate specificity, transporters are useful for delivering small molecules to target tissues. MRPs are also suggested to be involved in the barrier function in the small intestine, blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers by extruding their ligands into the luminal side. In this manuscript, we have summarized recent studies by others and ourselves on the role of these transporters in the tissue selective distribution and elimination of drugs.

Effect of probenecid on fluorescein transport in the central nervous system using in vitro and in vivo models

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to characterize the function of multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) (or MRP-like organic anion transport systems) in the blood-brain harrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) using both an in vitro BBB model and an in vivo microdialysis model.

METHODS

In vitro functional studies were performed using bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMEC). The accumulation of fluorescein, an anionic fluorescent dye, in BBMEC was determined with and without the presence of inhibitors of various efflux transport proteins. In vivo microdialysis simultaneously monitored fluorescein concentrations in cortical extracellular fluid and cerebrospinal fluid. The effect of probenecid on the in vivo distribution of fluorescein was studied using a balanced crossover design in the rat.

RESULTS

In vitro experiments showed that probenecid, indomethacin, LY-329146, and all MRP inhibitors significantly increased (two- to threefold) the accumulation of fluorescein in BBMEC, whereas LY-335979, a P-gp inhibitor, had no effect on the accumulation of fluorescein. Probenecid significantly increased fluorescein plasma concentration and the plasma free fraction in vivo. The distribution of fluorescein across the BBB and BCSFB was enhanced by 2.2- and 1.9-fold, respectively, when probenecid was coadministered, even after correction for increased fluorescein plasma concentrations and free fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that MRPs or MRP-like transport system(s) may play an important role in fluorescein distribution across both BBB and BCSFB. This study showed that microdialysis proved to be a powerful in vivo technique for the study of transport systems in the central nervous system, and in vitro/in vivo correlations are possible using these model systems.

Transport of fluorescein in MDCKII-MRP1 transfected cells and mrp1-knockout mice

The multidrug resistant-associated protein 1 (MRP1) is a membrane-bound transport protein that is involved in the efflux of organic anions and has been implicated in multidrug resistance in cancer. MRP1 has also been reported to be ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues, including the brain. The presence of functional organic anion transporters in the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers that influence the distribution of various compounds to the brain has long been known. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of MRP1 in the brain distribution of a model organic anion, fluorescein. The substrate specificity of MRP1 for fluorescein was initially determined by examining the accumulation of fluorescein in MDCKII MRP1-transfected cells. The distribution of fluorescein in the brain was then examined in wild-type and mrp1 gene knockout mice. The results show that in MDCKII MRP1-transfected cells, the accumulation of fluorescein was significantly lower (about 40% lower) than that in wild-type MDCKII cells. MRP1 inhibitors such as probenecid, MK-571, and LY402913 enhanced fluorescein accumulation in MDCKII MRP1-transfected cells to a greater extent than in wild-type MDCKII cells. In an in vivo study, after intravenous injection of fluorescein, the fluorescein brain-to-plasma concentration ratio in mrp1 knockout mice was not significantly different than that in wild-type mice. However, when probenecid was co-administered with fluorescein in wild-type mice, the fluorescein brain-to-plasma ratio was significantly increased (1.5-fold). These findings suggest that fluorescein is a substrate for MRP1. Furthermore, the in vivo study also suggests that MRP1 has a limited role in the transport and distribution of fluorescein in the brain. Therefore, other organic anion transport proteins, including the various isoforms of the MRP family, may be responsible for the accumulation and transport of organic anions in the brain.

Transport of bile acids in hepatic and non-hepatic tissues

Bile acids are steroidal amphipathic molecules derived from the catabolism of cholesterol. They modulate bile flow and lipid secretion, are essential for the absorption of dietary fats and vitamins, and have been implicated in the regulation of all the key enzymes involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Bile acids recirculate through the liver, bile ducts, small intestine and portal vein to form an enterohepatic circuit. They exist as anions at physiological pH and, consequently, require a carrier for transport across the membranes of the enterohepatic tissues. Individual bile acid carriers have now been cloned from several species. Na(+)-dependent transporters that mediate uptake into hepatocytes and reabsorption from the intestine and biliary epithelium and an ATP-dependent transporter that pumps bile acids into bile comprise the classes of transporter that are specific for bile acids. In addition, at least four human and five rat genes that code for Na(+)-independent organic anion carriers with broad multi-substrate specificities that include bile acids have been discovered. Studies concerning the regulation of these carriers have permitted identification of molecular signals that dictate eventual changes in the uptake or excretion of bile acids, which in turn have profound physiological implications. This overview summarizes and compares all known bile acid transporters and highlights findings that have identified diseases linked to molecular defects in these carriers. Recent advances that have fostered a more complete appreciation for the elaborate disposition of bile acids in humans are emphasized.

Transporters involved in the elimination of drugs in the kidney: organic anion transporters and organic cation transporters

Transporters in the kidney mediate the secretion or reabsorption of many compounds and thereby influence the plasma levels of their substrates. Organic anion transporters and organic cation transporters are two major classes of secretory transporters in the mammalian kidney. During the past decade, significant progress has been made in the cloning, functional expression, and initial characterization of these transporters. To date, five organic cation transporters and nine organic anion transporters have been cloned. In this review, we summarize the available data on organic anion and organic cation transporters, focusing in particular on their molecular characteristics, tissue distribution, and inhibitor and substrate selectivities. Currently we have a good understanding of the inhibitor selectivities for most of these transporters, and with the development of more robust assays, we will soon have a better understanding of their substrate selectivities. Based on the available data, summarized in this review, it appears that many compounds interact with multiple transporters. Furthermore, there appears to be substantial overlap in the selectivities of organic cation transporters, and the same appears true for organic anion transporters. At the present time, it is unclear what the roles of these multiple transporters are in renal drug elimination. With the development of new assays, reagents, and experimental methods, we will soon have a better understanding of the roles of each transporter isoform in the renal elimination of drugs.

Functional analysis and androgen-regulated expression of mouse organic anion transporting polypeptide 1 (Oatp1) in the kidney

Mouse Oatp1 was recently identified as a new murine member of the organic anion transporting polypeptide (Oatp) family and suggested to represent the counterpart of rat Oatp1. Northern blot analysis detected expression of several mouse Oatp-transcripts predominantly in liver and kidney. In the present study we describe the strict androgen-dependent expression of mouse Oatp1 mRNA in kidney and obtained further information about its substrate specificity using Xenopus oocytes. In addition to the previously reported estrone-3-sulfate, we demonstrate that mouse Oatp1 mediates sodium-independent uptake of the anionic steroid conjugates dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (K(m) approximately 8 microM) and estradiol-17-glucuronide (K(m) approximately 5 microM) and also of the prostaglandin PGE(2).