Neutral amino acid transport characterization of isolated luminal and abluminal membranes of the blood-brain barrier

Amino acid transporters in neurological disorders and neuroprotective effects of cysteine derivatives

For most diseases and disorders occurring in the brain, the full causes behind them are yet unknown, but many show signs of dysfunction of amino acid transporters or abnormalities in amino acid metabolism. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a key role in supporting the function of the central nervous system (CNS). Because of its unique structure, the BBB can maintain the optimal environment for CNS by controlling the passage of hydrophilic molecules from blood to the brain. Nutrients, such as amino acids, can cross the BBB via specific transporters. Many amino acids are essential for CNS function, and dysfunction of these amino acid transporters can lead to abnormalities in amino acid levels. This has been linked to causes behind certain genetic brain diseases, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and Huntington's disease (HD). One example of crucial amino acids is L-Cys, the rate-limiting factor in the biosynthesis of an important antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). Deficiency of L-Cys and GSH has been linked to oxidative stress and has been shown as a plausible cause behind certain CNS diseases, like schizophrenia and HD. This review presents the current status of potential L-Cys therapies and gives future directions that can be taken to improve amino acid transportation related to distinct CNS diseases.

Brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism and its ties to barrier function

Brain microvascular endothelial cells, which lie at the interface between blood and brain, are critical to brain energetics. These cells must precisely balance metabolizing nutrients for their own demands with transporting nutrients into the brain to sustain parenchymal cells. It is essential to understand this integrated metabolism and transport so that we can develop better diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. In this chapter, we first describe brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism and how these cells regulate both blood flow and nutrient transport. We then explain the impact of brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, as well as how metabolites produced by the endothelial cells impact other brain cells. We detail some ways that cell metabolism is typically measured experimentally and modeled computationally. Finally, we describe changes in brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. At the end of the chapter, we highlight areas for future research in brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism. The goal of this chapter is to underscore the importance of nutrient metabolism and transport at the brain endothelium for cerebral health and neurovascular disease treatment.

Bispecific antibody shuttles targeting CD98hc mediate efficient and long-lived brain delivery of IgGs

The inability of antibodies to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a key limitation to their use in diverse applications. One promising strategy is to deliver IgGs using a bispecific BBB shuttle, which involves fusing an IgG to a second affinity ligand that engages a cerebrovascular endothelial target and facilitates transport across the BBB. Nearly all prior efforts have focused on shuttles that target transferrin receptor (TfR-1) despite inherent delivery and safety challenges. Here, we report bispecific antibody shuttles that engage CD98hc, the heavy chain of the large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT1), and efficiently transport IgGs into the brain. Notably, CD98hc shuttles lead to much longer-lived brain retention of IgGs than TfR-1 shuttles while enabling more specific targeting due to limited CD98hc engagement in the brain parenchyma, which we demonstrate for IgGs that either agonize a neuronal receptor (TrkB) or target other endogenous cell-surface proteins on neurons and astrocytes.

Identification of transport systems involved in eflornithine delivery across the blood-brain barrier

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected parasitic disease that continues to persist in sub-Saharan Africa. It is fatal if untreated. The first stage of the disease is associated with the presence of the parasite in the periphery and the second stage with the presence of the parasites in the CNS. The treatment of CNS stage HAT requires the drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Eflornithine is an amino acid analogue that is used to treat second stage HAT gambiense both alone and in combination with nifurtimox. Recent studies have identified that accumulation of eflornithine into the parasites (trypanosomes) involves the amino acid transporter (Trypanosoma brucei AAT6). In this study we tested the hypothesis that eflornithine uses a cationic amino acid transport system to cross the BBB. We particularly focused on system-y+ and system-B0,+. To do this we utilized specialist databases to compare the physicochemical characteristics of relevant molecules and an in vitro model of the BBB to explore the mechanisms of eflornithine delivery into the CNS. Our results confirmed that eflornithine is related to the endogenous amino acid, ornithine. At pH 7.4, eflornithine is predominately (92.39%) a zwitterionic (dipolar) amino acid and ornithine is predominately (99.08%) a cationic (tripolar) amino acid. In addition, the gross charge distribution at pH 7.4 of eflornithine is much smaller (+0.073) than that of ornithine (+0.99). Further results indicated that eflornithine utilized a saturable transport mechanism(s) to cross the hCMEC/D3 cell membranes and that transport was inhibited by the presence of other amino acids including ornithine. Eflornithine transport was also sodium-independent and sensitive to a y+-system inhibitor, but not a B0,+-system inhibitor. Eflornithine transport was also inhibited by pentamidine, suggestive of transport by organic cation transporters (OCT) which are expressed in this cell line. We confirmed expression of the y+-system protein, CAT1, and the B0,+-system protein, ATB0,+, in the hCMEC/D3 cells. We conclude that eflornithine uses the cationic amino acid transporter, system y+, and OCT to cross the BBB. This research highlights the potential of system-y+ to deliver drugs, including eflornithine, across the BBB to treat brain diseases.

Bispecific antibody shuttles targeting CD98hc mediate efficient and long-lived brain delivery of IgGs

The inability of antibodies and other biologics to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a key limitation to their use in diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic applications. One promising strategy is to deliver IgGs using a bispecific BBB shuttle, which involves fusing an IgG with a second affinity ligand that engages a cerebrovascular endothelial target and facilitates transport across the BBB. Nearly all prior efforts have focused on the transferrin receptor (TfR-1) as the prototypical endothelial target despite inherent delivery and safety challenges. Here we report bispecific antibody shuttles that engage CD98hc (also known as 4F2 and SLC3A2), the heavy chain of the large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT1), and efficiently transport IgGs into the brain parenchyma. Notably, CD98hc shuttles lead to much longer-lived brain retention of IgGs than TfR-1 shuttles while enabling more specific brain targeting due to limited CD98hc engagement in the brain parenchyma. We demonstrate the broad utility of the CD98hc shuttles by reformatting three existing IgGs as CD98hc bispecific shuttles and delivering them to the mouse brain parenchyma that either agonize a neuronal receptor (TrkB) or target other endogenous antigens on specific types of brain cells (neurons and astrocytes).

Dysregulation of Astrocytic Glutamine Transport in Acute Hyperammonemic Brain Edema

Acute liver failure (ALF) impairs ammonia clearance from blood, which gives rise to acute hyperammonemia and increased ammonia accumulation in the brain. Since in brain glutamine synthesis is the only route of ammonia detoxification, hyperammonemia is as a rule associated with increased brain glutamine content (glutaminosis) which correlates with and contributes along with ammonia itself to hyperammonemic brain edema-associated with ALF. This review focuses on the effects of hyperammonemia on the two glutamine carriers located in the astrocytic membrane: Slc38a3 (SN1, SNAT3) and Slc7a6 (y + LAT2). We emphasize the contribution of the dysfunction of either of the two carriers to glutaminosis- related aspects of brain edema: retention of osmotically obligated water (Slc38a3) and induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress (Slc7a6). The changes in glutamine transport link glutaminosis- evoked mitochondrial dysfunction to oxidative-nitrosative stress as formulated in the “Trojan Horse” hypothesis.

The role of SLC transporters for brain health and disease

The brain exchanges nutrients and small molecules with blood via the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Approximately 20% energy intake for the body is consumed by the brain. Glucose is known for its critical roles for energy production and provides substrates for biogenesis in neurons. The brain takes up glucose via glucose transporters GLUT1 and 3, which are expressed in several neural cell types. The brain is also equipped with various transport systems for acquiring amino acids, lactate, ketone bodies, lipids, and cofactors for neuronal functions. Unraveling the mechanisms by which the brain takes up and metabolizes these nutrients will be key in understanding the nutritional requirements in the brain. This could also offer opportunities for therapeutic interventions in several neurological disorders. For instance, emerging evidence suggests a critical role of lactate as an alternative energy source for neurons. Neuronal cells express monocarboxylic transporters to acquire lactate. As such, treatment of GLUT1-deficient patients with ketogenic diets to provide the brain with alternative sources of energy has been shown to improve the health of the patients. Many transporters are present in the brain, but only a small number has been characterized. In this review, we will discuss about the roles of solute carrier (SLC) transporters at the blood brain barrier (BBB) and neural cells, in transport of nutrients and metabolites in the brain.

Brain Versus Blood: A Systematic Review on the Concordance Between Peripheral and Central Kynurenine Pathway Measures in Psychiatric Disorders

Objective

Disturbances in the kynurenine pathway have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychotic and mood disorders, as well as several other psychiatric illnesses. It remains uncertain however to what extent metabolite levels detectable in plasma or serum reflect brain kynurenine metabolism and other disease-specific pathophysiological changes. The primary objective of this systematic review was to investigate the concordance between peripheral and central (CSF or brain tissue) kynurenine metabolites. As secondary aims we describe their correlation with illness course, treatment response, and neuroanatomical abnormalities in psychiatric diseases.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search until February 2021 in PubMed. We included 27 original research articles describing a correlation between peripheral and central kynurenine metabolite measures in preclinical studies and human samples from patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders and other conditions. We also included 32 articles reporting associations between peripheral KP markers and symptom severity, CNS pathology or treatment response in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.

Results

For kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine, moderate to strong concordance was found between peripheral and central concentrations not only in psychiatric disorders, but also in other (patho)physiological conditions. Despite discordant findings for other metabolites (mainly tryptophan and kynurenic acid), blood metabolite levels were associated with clinical symptoms and treatment response in psychiatric patients, as well as with observed neuroanatomical abnormalities and glial activity.

Conclusion

Only kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine demonstrated a consistent and reliable concordance between peripheral and central measures. Evidence from psychiatric studies on kynurenine pathway concordance is scarce, and more research is needed to determine the validity of peripheral kynurenine metabolite assessment as proxy markers for CNS processes. Peripheral kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine may nonetheless represent valuable predictive and prognostic biomarker candidates for psychiatric disorders.

Cryptococcus neoformans-astrocyte interactions: effect on fungal blood brain barrier disruption, brain invasion, and meningitis progression

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic, neurotropic, and encapsulated fungus that causes life-threatening cryptococcal meningitis (CM), especially in regions of the world where AIDS is endemic. The polysaccharide capsule of C. neoformans is the fungus major virulent factor, being copiously released during infection and causing immunosuppressive defects in the host. Although the capsular material is commonly associated with reactive astrocytes in fatal CM, little is known about the molecular and cellular interactions among astroglia and C. neoformans. As astrocytes also make up the neurovascular unit at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which C. neoformans must transverse to colonize the central nervous system and cause CM; these cells may play a significant regulatory role in the prevention and progression of infection. For example, astrocytes are implicated in neurological disease including the regulation of cerebral intracranial pressure, immune function, and water homeostasis. Hence, in this review, we provide a general overview of astroglia biology and discuss the current knowledge on C. neoformans-astrocyte interactions including their involvement in the development of CM. This "gliocentric view" of cerebral cryptococcosis suggests that therapeutic interventions particularly targeting at preserving the neuroprotective function of astrocytes may be used in preventing and managing C. neoformans BBB transmigration, brain invasion, colonization, and meningitis.

Blood-brain barrier integrity in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) tightly controls the molecular exchange between the brain parenchyma and blood. Accumulated evidence from transgenic animal Alzheimer's disease (AD) models and human AD patients have demonstrated that BBB dysfunction is a major player in AD pathology. In this review, we discuss the role of the BBB in maintaining brain integrity and how this is mediated by crosstalk between BBB-associated cells within the neurovascular unit (NVU). We then discuss the role of the NVU, in particular its endothelial cell, pericyte, and glial cell constituents, in AD pathogenesis. The effect of substances released by the neuroendocrine system in modulating BBB function and AD pathogenesis is also discussed. We perform a systematic review of currently available AD treatments specifically targeting pericytes and BBB glial cells. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of BBB dysfunction in AD and a new perspective on the development of therapeutics for AD.

Transport of Amino Acids Across the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain-barrier (BBB), present in brain capillaries, constitutes an essential barrier mechanism for normal functioning and development of the brain. The presence of tight junctions between adjacent endothelial cells restricts permeability and movement of molecules between extracellular fluid and plasma. The protein complexes that control cell-cell attachment also polarize cellular membrane, so that it can be divided into luminal (blood-facing) and abluminal (brain) sides, and each solute that enters/leaves the brain must cross both membranes. Several amino acid (AA) transport systems with different distributions on both sides of the BBB have been described. In a broad sense, there are at least five different systems of facilitative transporters and all of them are found in the luminal membrane. Some of these transporters are very specific for a small group of substrates and are located exclusively on the luminal side of the BBB. However, the two major facilitative carriers, system L and system y⁺, are located in both membranes, although asymmetrically. The position of these Na⁺-independent transporters ensures AA availability in the brain and also its bidirectional transport across the endothelial cells. On the other hand, there are several Na⁺-dependent transport systems that transport AAs against its concentration gradient together with the movement of Na⁺ ions. The majority of these active transporters are present exclusively at the abluminal membrane and are responsible for AA efflux from the brain into the endothelial cells. Since they are Na⁺-coupled, the sodium pump Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase is also highly expressed on this abluminal side of the BBB. Once inside the cell, the facilitative transporters located in the luminal membranes mediate export from the endothelial cell to the blood. In summary, the polarized distribution of these transport systems between the luminal and abluminal membranes, and the fact that more than one transporter may carry the same substrate, ensures supply and excretion of AAs in and out of the brain, thereby controlling its homeostasis and proper function.

Transcerebral exchange kinetics of large neutral amino acids during acute inspiratory hypoxia in humans

Hypoxaemia is present in many critically ill patients, and may contribute to encephalopathy. Changes in the passage of large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with an increased cerebral influx of aromatic amino acids into the brain may concurrently be present and also contribute to encephalopathy, but it has not been established whether hypoxaemia per se may trigger such changes. We measured cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 11 healthy men using the Kety-Schmidt technique and obtained paired arterial and jugular-venous blood samples for the determination of LNAAs by high performance liquid chromatography at baseline and after 9 hours of poikilocapnic normobaric hypoxia (12% O₂). Transcerebral net exchange was determined by the Fick principle, and transport of LNAAs across the BBB was determined mathematically. Hypoxia increased both the systemic and corresponding cerebral delivery of the aromatic amino acid phenylalanine, and the branched-chain amino acids leucine and isoleucine. Despite this, the transcerebral net exchange values and mathematically derived brain extracellular concentrations for all LNAAs were unaffected. In conclusion, the observed changes in circulating LNAAs triggered by hypoxaemia do not affect the transcerebral exchange kinetics of LNAAs to such an extent that their brain extracellular concentrations are affected.

Systemic L-Buthionine -S-R-Sulfoximine Treatment Increases Plasma NGF and Upregulates L-cys/L-cys2 Transporter and γ-Glutamylcysteine Ligase mRNAs Through the NGF/TrkA/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway in the Striatum

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant. GSH depletion leads to oxidative stress and neuronal damage in the central nervous system (CNS). In mice, the acute systemic inhibition of GSH synthesis by L-buthionine-S-R-sulfoximine (BSO) triggers a protective response and a subsequent increase in the CNS GSH content. This response might be modulated by a peripheral increment of circulating nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is an important activator of antioxidant pathways mediated by tropomyosin-related kinase receptor A (TrkA). Here, we report that peripheral administration of BSO increased plasma NGF levels. Additionally, BSO increased NGF levels and activated the NGF/TrkA/Akt pathway in striatal neurons. Moreover, the response in the striatum included an increased transcription of nrf2, gclm, lat1, eaac1, and xct, all of which are involved in antioxidant responses, and L-cys/L-cys₂ and glutamate transporters. Using antibody against NGF confirmed that peripheral NGF activated the NGF/TrkA/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in the striatum and subsequently increased the transcription of gclm, nrf2, lat1, eaac1, and xct. These results provide evidence that the reduction of peripheral GSH pools increases peripheral NGF circulation that orchestrates a neuroprotective response in the CNS, at least in the striatum, through the NGF/TrkA/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.

Exchange-mode glutamine transport across CNS cell membranes

CNS cell membranes possess four transporters capable of exchanging Lglutamine (Gln) for other amino acids: the large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transporters LAT1 and LAT2, the hybrid basic amino acid (L-arginine (Arg), L-leucine (Leu)/LNAA transporter y⁺LAT2, and the L-alanine/L-serine/L-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). LAT1/LAT2 and y⁺LAT2 are present in astrocytes, neurons and the blood brain barrier (BBB) - forming cerebral vascular endothelial cells (CVEC), while the location of ASCT2 in the individual cell types is a matter of debate. In the healthy brain, contribution of the exchangers to Gln shuttling from astrocytes to neurons and thus their role in controlling the conversion of Gln to the amino acid neurotransmitters l-glutamate (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Gln flux across the BBB appears negligible as compared to the system A and system N uniporters. Insofar, except for the contribution of LAT1 to the maintenance of Gln homeostasis in the interstitial fluid (ISF), no well-defined CNS-specific function has been established for either of the three transporters in the healthy brain. The Gln-accepting amino acid exchangers appear to gain significance under conditions of excessive brain Gln load (glutaminosis). Excess Gln efflux across the BBB enhances influx into the brain of L-tryptophan (Trp). Excess of Trp is responsible for overloading the brain with neuroactive compounds: serotonin, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid and/or oxindole, which contribute to neurotransmission imbalance accompanying hyperammonemia. In turn, alterations of y⁺LAT2-mediated Gln/Arg exchange and Arg uptake in astrocyte, modulate astrocytic nitric oxide synthesis and oxidative/nitrosative stress in ammonia-overexposed brain. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.

Nutrient Sensing by Hypothalamic Tanycytes

Nutritional signals have long been implicated in the control of cellular processes that take place in the hypothalamus. This includes food intake regulation and energy balance, inflammation, and most recently, neurogenesis. One of the main glial cells residing in the hypothalamus are tanycytes, radial glial-like cells, whose bodies are located in the lining of the third ventricle, with processes extending to the parenchyma and reaching neuronal nuclei. Their unique anatomical location makes them directly exposed to nutrients in the cerebrospinal fluid. Several research groups have shown that tanycytes can respond to nutritional signals by different mechanisms, such as calcium signaling, metabolic shift, and changes in proliferation/differentiation potential. Despite cumulative evidence showing tanycytes have the molecular components to participate in nutrient detection and response, there are no enough functional studies connecting tanycyte nutrient sensing with hypothalamic functions, nor that highlight the relevance of this process in physiological and pathological context. This review will summarize recent evidence that supports a nutrient sensor role for tanycytes in the hypothalamus, highlighting the need for more detailed analysis on the actual implications of tanycyte-nutrient sensing and how this process can be modulated, which might allow the discovery of new metabolic and signaling pathways as therapeutic targets, for the treatment of hypothalamic related diseases.

Functional Polarity of Microvascular Brain Endothelial Cells Supported by Neurovascular Unit Computational Model of Large Neutral Amino Acid Homeostasis

The homeostatic regulation of large neutral amino acid (LNAA) concentration in the brain interstitial fluid (ISF) is essential for proper brain function. LNAA passage into the brain is primarily mediated by the complex and dynamic interactions between various solute carrier (SLC) transporters expressed in the neurovascular unit (NVU), among which SLC7A5/LAT1 is considered to be the major contributor in microvascular brain endothelial cells (MBEC). The LAT1-mediated trans-endothelial transport of LNAAs, however, could not be characterized precisely by available in vitro and in vivo standard methods so far. To circumvent these limitations, we have incorporated published in vivo data of rat brain into a robust computational model of NVU-LNAA homeostasis, allowing us to evaluate hypotheses concerning LAT1-mediated trans-endothelial transport of LNAAs across the blood brain barrier (BBB). We show that accounting for functional polarity of MBECs with either asymmetric LAT1 distribution between membranes and/or intrinsic LAT1 asymmetry with low intraendothelial binding affinity is required to reproduce the experimentally measured brain ISF response to intraperitoneal (IP) L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine injection. On the basis of these findings, we have also investigated the effect of IP administrated L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine on the dynamics of LNAAs in MBECs, astrocytes and neurons. Finally, the computational model was shown to explain the trans-stimulation of LNAA uptake across the BBB observed upon ISF perfusion with a competitive LAT1 inhibitor.

Blood phenylalanine reduction corrects CNS dopamine and serotonin deficiencies and partially improves behavioral performance in adult phenylketonuric mice

Central nervous system (CNS) deficiencies of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin have been implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric dysfunction in human phenylketonuria (PKU). In this study, we confirmed the occurrence of brain dopamine and serotonin deficiencies in association with severe behavioral alterations and cognitive impairments in hyperphenylalaninemic C57BL/6-Pah^enu2/enu2 mice, a model of human PKU. Phenylalanine-reducing treatments, including either dietary phenylalanine restriction or liver-directed gene therapy, initiated during adulthood were associated with increased brain monoamine content along with improvements in nesting behavior but without a change in the severe cognitive deficits exhibited by these mice. At euthanasia, there was in Pah^enu2/enu2 brain a significant reduction in the protein abundance and maximally stimulated activities of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), the rate limiting enzymes catalyzing neuronal dopamine and serotonin synthesis respectively, in comparison to levels seen in wild type brain. Phenylalanine-reducing treatments initiated during adulthood did not affect brain TH or TPH2 content or maximal activity. Despite this apparent fixed deficit in striatal TH and TPH2 activities, initiation of phenylalanine-reducing treatments yielded substantial correction of brain monoamine neurotransmitter content, suggesting that phenylalanine-mediated competitive inhibition of already constitutively reduced TH and TPH2 activities is the primary cause of brain monoamine deficiency in Pah^enu2 mouse brain. We propose that CNS monoamine deficiency may be the cause of the partially reversible adverse behavioral effects associated with chronic HPA in Pah^enu2 mice, but that phenylalanine-reducing treatments initiated during adulthood are unable to correct the neuropathology and attendant cognitive deficits that develop during juvenile life in late-treated Pah^enu2/enu2 mice.

Age-associated physiological and pathological changes at the blood-brain barrier: A review

The age-associated decline of the neurological and cognitive functions becomes more and more serious challenge for the developed countries with the increasing number of aged populations. The morphological and biochemical changes in the aging brain are the subjects of many extended research projects worldwide for a long time. However, the crucial role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment and disruption in the pathological processes in age-associated neurodegenerative disorders received special attention just for a few years. This article gives an overview on the major elements of the blood-brain barrier and its supporting mechanisms and also on their alterations during development, physiological aging process and age-associated neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, pharmacoresistant epilepsy). Besides the morphological alterations of the cellular elements (endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, neuronal elements) of the BBB and neurovascular unit, the changes of the barrier at molecular level (tight junction proteins, adheres junction proteins, membrane transporters, basal lamina, extracellular matrix) are also summarized. The recognition of new players and initiators of the process of neurodegeneration at the level of the BBB may offer new avenues for novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of numerous chronic neurodegenerative disorders currently without effective medication.

Brain interstitial fluid glutamine homeostasis is controlled by blood-brain barrier SLC7A5/LAT1 amino acid transporter

L-glutamine (Gln) is the most abundant amino acid in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and a precursor for the main central nervous system excitatory (L-glutamate) and inhibitory (γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) neurotransmitters. Concentrations of Gln and 13 other brain interstitial fluid amino acids were measured in awake, freely moving mice by hippocampal microdialysis using an extrapolation to zero flow rate method. Interstitial fluid levels for all amino acids including Gln were ∼5-10 times lower than in cerebrospinal fluid. Although the large increase in plasma Gln by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 15N2-labeled Gln (hGln) did not increase total interstitial fluid Gln, low levels of hGln were detected in microdialysis samples. Competitive inhibition of system A (SLC38A1&2; SNAT1&2) or system L (SLC7A5&8; LAT1&2) transporters in brain by perfusion with α-(methylamino)-isobutyric acid (MeAIB) or 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) respectively, was tested. The data showed a significantly greater increase in interstitial fluid Gln upon BCH than MeAIB treatment. Furthermore, brain BCH perfusion also strongly increased the influx of hGln into interstitial fluid following IP injection consistent with transstimulation of LAT1-mediated transendothelial transport. Taken together, the data support the independent homeostatic regulation of amino acids in interstitial fluid vs. cerebrospinal fluid and the role of the blood-brain barrier expressed SLC7A5/LAT1 as a key interstitial fluid gatekeeper.

Blood-brain barrier endogenous transporters as therapeutic targets: a new model for small molecule CNS drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the uptake of most drugs by brain, and the traditional approach to the BBB problem is the use of medicinal chemistry to increase drug lipid solubility, and increase lipid-mediated transport across the BBB. This review advocates a new model to CNS drug discovery of BBB-penetrating small molecules, whereby drug candidates are screened for carrier-mediated transport (CMT) across the BBB.

AREAS COVERED

CMT systems are expressed by genes within the Solute Carrier (SLC) Transporter Gene Family, which now totals > 400 transporter genes. Emphasis is placed on reconciliation of the substrate transporter profile (STP) of BBB transport in vivo with the STP of the cloned SLC transporter in vitro. This reconciliation is crucial to the identification, from sometimes a large number of candidates, of the respective SLC transporter that is responsible for BBB transport in vivo for a given class of nutrients.

EXPERT OPINION

Dual track screening of a small molecule library for drugs that have the dual properties of affinity for a neural cell drug receptor target, and affinity for a BBB CMT transporter target, can lead to a revolution in how small molecule drugs are identified in CNS drug discovery programs.

Quantitative Determination of Luminal and Abluminal Membrane Distributions of Transporters in Porcine Brain Capillaries by Plasma Membrane Fractionation and Quantitative Targeted Proteomics

Abluminal or luminal localization of transporter in plasma membranes at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is critical for their physiological and pharmacological roles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a new method to investigate membrane localization of transporters, through quantitative measurement of protein expression levels in fractionated plasma membrane prepared from porcine brain capillaries. Luminal-abluminal distribution ratios were calculated from the results of quantitative targeted absolute proteomics of fractionated membranes, after correction for cross-contamination based on measurements of luminal and abluminal membrane markers. BCRP expression was greater at the luminal membrane than at the abluminal membrane, supporting the usefulness of the distribution ratio as a quantitative indicator of localization. The distribution ratios suggested luminal-dominant localizations of GLUT1 and OATP3A1, and abluminal-dominant localizations of ABCA1 and FATP1. For OATP3A1, ABCA1 and FATP1, these results require reconsideration of their functions at the BBB. Species differences were examined using expression levels normalized to Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase. BCRP expression is dominant over multidrug resistance 1 expression in porcine BBB, as in other primates including humans. This methodology for quantitative measurement of protein localization is expected to improve our understanding of the roles of transporters at the BBB, and should be applicable to other polarized cells.

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.

P-glycoprotein trafficking as a therapeutic target to optimize CNS drug delivery

The primary function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)/neurovascular unit is to protect the central nervous system (CNS) from potentially harmful xenobiotic substances and maintain CNS homeostasis. Restricted access to the CNS is maintained via a combination of tight junction proteins as well as a variety of efflux and influx transporters that limits the transcellular and paracellular movement of solutes. Of the transporters identified at the BBB, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has emerged as the transporter that is the greatest obstacle to effective CNS drug delivery. In this chapter, we provide data to support intracellular protein trafficking of P-gp within cerebral capillary microvessels as a potential target for improved drug delivery. We show that pain-induced changes in P-gp trafficking are associated with changes in P-gp's association with caveolin-1, a key scaffolding/trafficking protein that colocalizes with P-gp at the luminal membrane of brain microvessels. Changes in colocalization with the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of caveolin-1, by pain, are accompanied by dynamic changes in the distribution, relocalization, and activation of P-gp "pools" between microvascular endothelial cell subcellular compartments. Since redox-sensitive processes may be involved in signaling disassembly of higher-order structures of P-gp, we feel that manipulating redox signaling, via specific protein targeting at the BBB, may protect disulfide bond integrity of P-gp reservoirs and control trafficking to the membrane surface, providing improved CNS drug delivery. The advantage of therapeutic drug "relocalization" of a protein is that the physiological impact can be modified, temporarily or long term, despite pathology-induced changes in gene transcription.

Phenylketonuria: reduced tyrosine brain influx relates to reduced cerebral protein synthesis

Background

In phenylketonuria (PKU), elevated blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations are considered to impair transport of large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) from blood to brain. This impairment is believed to underlie cognitive deficits in PKU via different mechanisms, including reduced cerebral protein synthesis. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that impaired LNAA influx relates to reduced cerebral protein synthesis.

Methods

Using positron emission tomography, L-[1-¹¹C]-tyrosine (¹¹C-Tyr) brain influx and incorporation into cerebral protein were studied in 16 PKU patients (median age 24, range 16 – 47 years), most of whom were early and continuously treated. Data were analyzed by regression analyses, using either ¹¹C-Tyr brain influx or ¹¹C-Tyr cerebral protein incorporation as outcome variable. Predictor variables were baseline plasma Phe concentration, Phe tolerance, age, and ¹¹C-Tyr brain efflux. For the modelling of cerebral protein incorporation, ¹¹C-Tyr brain influx was added as a predictor variable.

Results

¹¹C-Tyr brain influx was inversely associated with plasma Phe concentrations (median 512, range 233 – 1362 μmol/L; delta adjusted R²=0.571, p=0.013). In addition, ¹¹C-Tyr brain influx was positively associated with ¹¹C-Tyr brain efflux (delta adjusted R²=0.098, p=0.041). Cerebral protein incorporation was positively associated with ¹¹C-Tyr brain influx (adjusted R²=0.567, p<0.001). All additional associations between predictor and outcome variables were statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Our data favour the hypothesis that an elevated concentration of Phe in blood reduces cerebral protein synthesis by impairing LNAA transport from blood to brain. Considering the importance of cerebral protein synthesis for adequate brain development and functioning, our results support the notion that PKU treatment be continued in adulthood. Future studies investigating the effects of impaired LNAA transport on cerebral protein synthesis in more detail are indicated.

Function of thyroid hormone transporters in the central nervous system

BACKGROUND

Iodothyronines are charged amino acid derivatives that cannot passively cross a phospholipid bilayer. Transport of thyroid hormones across plasma membranes is mediated by integral membrane proteins belonging to several gene families. These transporters therefore allow or limit access of thyroid hormones into brain. Since thyroid hormones are essential for brain development and cell differentiation, it is expected that genetic deficiency of such transporters would result in neurodevelopmental derangements.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

We introduce concepts of thyroid hormone transport into the brain and into brain cells. Important thyroid hormone transmembrane transporters are presented along with their expression patterns in different brain cell types. A focus is placed on monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) which has been identified as an essential thyroid hormone transporter in humans. Mutations in MCT8 underlie one of the first described X-linked mental retardation syndromes, the Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid hormone transporter molecules are expressed in a developmental and cell type-specific pattern. Any thyroid hormone molecule has to cross consecutively the luminal and abluminal membranes of the capillary endothelium, enter astrocytic foot processes, and leave the astrocyte through the plasma membrane to finally cross another plasma membrane on its way towards its target nucleus.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

We can expect more transporters being involved in or contributing to in neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disease. Due to their expression in cellular components regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, mutations and polymorphisms are expected to impact on negative feedback regulation and hormonal setpoints. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Thyroid hormone signalling.

The role of amino acid transporters in GSH synthesis in the blood-brain barrier and central nervous system

Glutathione (GSH) plays a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and xenobiotics, as well as maintaining the thiol redox state, most notably in the central nervous system (CNS). GSH concentration and synthesis are highly regulated within the CNS and are limited by availability of the sulfhydryl amino acid (AA) l-cys, which is mainly transported from the blood, through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and into neurons. Several antiporter transport systems (e.g., x(c)(-), x(-)(AG), and L) with clearly different luminal and abluminal distribution, Na(+), and pH dependency have been described in brain endothelial cells (BEC) of the BBB, as well as in neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes from different brain structures. The purpose of this review is to summarize information regarding the different AA transport systems for l-cys and its oxidized form l-cys(2) in the CNS, such as expression and activity in blood-brain barrier endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons and environmental factors that modulate transport kinetics.

Na(+)-dependent transport of taurine is found only on the abluminal membrane of the blood-brain barrier

Luminal and abluminal plasma membranes were isolated from bovine brain microvessels and used to identify and characterize Na(+)-dependent and facilitative taurine transport. The calculated transmembrane potential was -59 mV at time 0; external Na(+) (or choline under putative zero-trans conditions) was 126 mM (T=25 °C). The apparent affinity constants of the taurine transporters were determined over a range of taurine concentrations from 0.24 μM to 11.4 μM. Abluminal membranes had both Na(+)-dependent taurine transport as well as facilitative transport while luminal membranes only had facilitative transport. The apparent K(m) for facilitative and Na(+)-dependent taurine transport were 0.06±0.02 μM and 0.7±0.1 μM, respectively. The Na(+)-dependent transport of taurine was voltage dependent over the range of voltages studied (-25 to -101 mV). The transport was over 5 times greater at -101 mV compared to when V(m) was -25 mV. The sensitivity to external osmolality of Na(+)-dependent transport was studied over a range of osmolalities (229 to 398 mOsm/kg H(2)O) using mannitol as the osmotic agent to adjust the osmolality. For these experiments the concentration of Na(+) was maintained constant at 50mM, and the calculated transmembrane potential was -59 mV. The Na(+)-dependent transport system was sensitive to osmolality with the greatest rate observed at 229 mOsm/kg H(2)O.

Molecular biology of the blood-brain and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers: similarities and differences

Efficient processing of information by the central nervous system (CNS) represents an important evolutionary advantage. Thus, homeostatic mechanisms have developed that provide appropriate circumstances for neuronal signaling, including a highly controlled and stable microenvironment. To provide such a milieu for neurons, extracellular fluids of the CNS are separated from the changeable environment of blood at three major interfaces: at the brain capillaries by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is localized at the level of the endothelial cells and separates brain interstitial fluid (ISF) from blood; at the epithelial layer of four choroid plexuses, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB), which separates CSF from the CP ISF, and at the arachnoid barrier. The two barriers that represent the largest interface between blood and brain extracellular fluids, the BBB and the BCSFB, prevent the free paracellular diffusion of polar molecules by complex morphological features, including tight junctions (TJs) that interconnect the endothelial and epithelial cells, respectively. The first part of this review focuses on the molecular biology of TJs and adherens junctions in the brain capillary endothelial cells and in the CP epithelial cells. However, normal function of the CNS depends on a constant supply of essential molecules, like glucose and amino acids from the blood, exchange of electrolytes between brain extracellular fluids and blood, as well as on efficient removal of metabolic waste products and excess neurotransmitters from the brain ISF. Therefore, a number of specific transport proteins are expressed in brain capillary endothelial cells and CP epithelial cells that provide transport of nutrients and ions into the CNS and removal of waste products and ions from the CSF. The second part of this review concentrates on the molecular biology of various solute carrier (SLC) transport proteins at those two barriers and underlines differences in their expression between the two barriers. Also, many blood-borne molecules and xenobiotics can diffuse into brain ISF and then into neuronal membranes due to their physicochemical properties. Entry of these compounds could be detrimental for neural transmission and signalling. Thus, BBB and BCSFB express transport proteins that actively restrict entry of lipophilic and amphipathic substances from blood and/or remove those molecules from the brain extracellular fluids. The third part of this review concentrates on the molecular biology of ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-transporters and those SLC transporters that are involved in efflux transport of xenobiotics, their expression at the BBB and BCSFB and differences in expression in the two major blood-brain interfaces. In addition, transport and diffusion of ions by the BBB and CP epithelium are involved in the formation of fluid, the ISF and CSF, respectively, so the last part of this review discusses molecular biology of ion transporters/exchangers and ion channels in the brain endothelial and CP epithelial cells.

Changes in kinetics of amino acid uptake at the ageing ovine blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier

Amino acids (AA) in brain are precisely controlled by blood-brain barriers, which undergo a host of changes in both morphology and function during ageing. The effect of these age-related changes on AA homeostasis in brain is not well described. This study investigated the kinetics of four AA (Leu, Phe, Ala and Lys) uptakes at young and old ovine choroid plexus (CP), the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCB), and measured AA concentrations in CSF and plasma samples. In old sheep, the weight of lateral CP increased, so did the ratio of CP/brain. The expansion of the CP is consistent with clinical observation of thicker leptomeninges in old age. AA concentrations in old CSF, plasma and their ratio were different from the young. Both V(max) and K(m) of Phe and Lys were significant higher compared to the young, indicating higher trans-stimulation in old BCB. Cross-competition and kinetic inhibition studies found the sensitivity and specificity of these transporters were impaired in old BCB. These changes may be the first signs of a compromised barrier system in ageing brain leading increased AA influx into the brain causing neurotoxicity.

Potentiation of neurotoxicity of Lathyrus sativus by manganese: alterations in blood-brain barrier permeability

Environmental factors have been speculated to play an important role in potentiating the neurotoxicity of Lathyrus sativus (LS). Hence, blood-brain barrier permeability and neurotoxicity studies were carried out in manganese- and LS-exposed animals. Dietary feeding of LS (80%) plus Mn (0.4 mg/100 g diet) for 90 days to guinea pigs showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in brain nucleotidase and ATPase activities when compared to control or LS alone treated groups. Combined treatment of LS and Mn showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in neuronal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (36-40%), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (40-45%), glutathione-S-transferase (27-31%), and quinone reductase (24-25%) activities when compared to control and LS alone treated animals. Lipid peroxidation, a marker for membrane damage, was found to be relatively more enhanced (58-141%) along with significant (p < 0.05) depletion of GSH levels in LS+Mn-treated animals when compared to control, Mn alone, and LS alone treated groups. The neuronal catalase activity of lathyrus plus Mn-treated animals showed a pronounced decrease (37-49%) when compared to control, Mn, and lathyrus alone treated groups. On the contrary, glutathione peroxidase in brain of Mn and lathyrus alone treated animals indicated a respective increase (p < 0.05) of 18% and 20%, while the combined effect of lathyrus plus Mn exhibited an increase of almost 50% when compared to control guinea pigs. Single parenteral administration of Mn (15 mg/kg b.wt) to guinea pigs followed by single oral intubation of beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-diamino propionic acid (ODAP, 75 mg/guinea pig) resulted in a significant increase (143%) in neuronal ODAP content. ODAP (50 mg/kg,iv) treatment to mice pretreated with MnCl2 (10 mg/kg b.wt for 3 days or 40 mg/kg b.wt for 1 day), caused an enhancement in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability (129-196%), while ODAP and Mn alone showed relatively less enhancement (66-87%). The lumbar region of LS+Mn showed a number of vacuolated areas of variegated size and chromatolytic neurons, along with a few degenerated neurons. These results suggest that Mn may potentiate the neurotoxicity of lathyrus/ODAP by altering the BBB permeability.

The blood-brain barrier in neurodegenerative disease: a rhetorical perspective

Recent studies suggest that the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is not static under normal physiologic conditions and is likely altered in neurodegenerative disease. Prevailing thinking about CNS function, and neurodegenerative disease in particular, is neurocentric excluding the impact of factors outside the CNS. This review challenges this perspective and discusses recent reports suggesting the involvement of peripheral factors including toxins and elements of adaptive immunity that may not only play a role in pathogenesis, but also progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Central to this view is neuroinflammation. Several studies indicate that the neuroinflammatory changes that accompany neurodegeneration affect the BBB or its function by altering transport systems, enhancing immune cell entry, or influencing the BBB's role as a signaling interface. Such changes impair the BBB's normal homeostatic function and affect neural activity. Moreover, recent studies reveal that alterations in BBB and its transporters affect the entry of drugs used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Incorporating BBB compromise and dysfunction into our view of neurodegenerative disease leads to the inclusion of peripheral mediators in its pathogenesis and progression. In addition, this changing view of the BBB raises interesting new therapeutic possibilities for drug delivery as well as treatment strategies designed to reinstate normal barrier function.

Large neutral amino acids supplementation in phenylketonuric patients

Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of amino acid metabolism that results in severe mental retardation if not treated early and appropriately. The traditional treatment, consisting of a low-phenylalanine diet, is usually difficult to maintain throughout adolescence and adulthood, resulting in undesirable levels of blood phenylalanine and consequent neurotoxicity. The neurotoxicity of phenylalanine is enhanced by its transport mechanism across the blood-brain barrier, which has the highest affinity for phenylalanine compared with the other large neutral amino acids that share the same carrier. The supplementation of large neutral amino acids in phenylketonuric patients has been showing interesting results. Plasma phenylalanine levels can be reduced, which may guarantee important metabolic and clinical benefits to these patients. Although long-term studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of large neutral amino acids supplements, the present state of knowledge seems to recommend their prescription to all phenylketonuric adult patients who are non-compliant with the low-phenylalanine diet.

Pharmacokinetic role of L-type amino acid transporters LAT1 and LAT2

LAT1 and LAT2 are heterodimeric large amino acid transporters that are expressed in various tissues, including the intestinal wall, blood-brain barrier, and kidney. These transporters consist of membrane spanning light chain and heavy chain, and they act as 1:1 exchangers in concert with other amino acid transporters. Only a few drugs (less than 10) are substrates of LAT1 and LAT2, including L-DOPA, alpha-methyldopa, melphalan, and gabapentin. The mechanisms and substrates have been mostly elucidated using mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes. The in vivo relevance of LAT1 and LAT2 in pharmacokinetics is obscure, because contradictory findings have been reported. It is difficult to make quantitative pharmacokinetic conclusions about LAT1 and LAT2. This is due to the possible involvement of other transporters (including cross-linked heterodimers of light chain with different heavy chains, other overlapping transporters, for example TAT1), competing endogenous amino acids, and saturation phenomena. This review presents the current functional knowledge on LAT1 and LAT2 with emphasis on their potential involvement in pharmacokinetics.

Normal endothelium

In recent decades, it has become evident that the endothelium is by no means a passive inner lining of blood vessels. This 'organ' with a large surface (approximately 350 m2) and a comparatively small total mass (approximately 110 g) is actively involved in vital functions of the cardiovascular system, including regulation of perfusion, fluid and solute exchange, haemostasis and coagulation, inflammatory responses, vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. The present chapter focusses on two central aspects of endothelial structure and function: (1) the heterogeneity in endothelial properties between species, organs, vessel classes and even within individual vessels and (2) the composition and role of the molecular layer on the luminal surface of endothelial cells. The endothelial lining of blood vessels in different organs differs with respect to morphology and permeability and is classified as 'continuous', 'fenestrated' or 'discontinuous'. Furthermore, the mediator release, antigen presentation or stress responses of endothelial cells vary between species, different organs and vessel classes. Finally there are relevant differences even between adjacent endothelial cells, with some cells exhibiting specific functional properties, e.g. as pacemaker cells for intercellular calcium signals. Organ-specific structural and functional properties of the endothelium are marked in the vascular beds of the lung and the brain. Pulmonary endothelium exhibits a high constitutive expression of adhesion molecules which may contribute to the margination of the large intravascular pool of leucocytes in the lung. Furthermore, the pulmonary microcirculation is less permeable to protein and water flux as compared to large pulmonary vessels. Endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier exhibit a specialised phenotype with no fenestrations, extensive tight junctions and sparse pinocytotic vesicular transport. This barrier allows a strict control of exchange of solutes and circulating cells between the plasma and the interstitial space. It was observed that average haematocrit levels in muscle capillaries are much lower as compared to systemic haematocrit, and that flow resistance of microvascular beds is higher than expected from in vitro studies of blood rheology. This evidence stimulated the concept of a substantial layer on the luminal endothelial surface (endothelial surface layer, ESL) with a thickness in the range of 0.5-1 microm. In comparison, the typical thickness of the glycocalyx directly anchored in the endothelial plasma membrane, as seen in electron micrographs, amounts to only about 50-100 microm. Therefore it is assumed that additional components, e.g. adsorbed plasma proteins or hyaluronan, are essential in constituting the ESL. Functional consequences of the ESL presence are not yet sufficiently understood and acknowledged. However, it is evident that the thick endothelial surface layer significantly impacts haemodynamic conditions, mechanical stresses acting on red cells in microvessels, oxygen transport, vascular control, coagulation, inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Cationic amino acid transport across the blood-brain barrier is mediated exclusively by system y+

Cationic amino acid (CAA) transport is brought about by two families of proteins that are found in various tissues: Cat (CAA transporter), referred to as system y+, and Bat [broad-scope amino acid (AA) transporter], which comprises systems b0,+, B0,+, and y+L. CAA traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but experiments done in vivo have only been able to examine the BBB from the luminal (blood-facing) side. In the present study, plasma membranes isolated from bovine brain microvessels were used to identify and characterize the CAA transporter(s) on both sides of the BBB. From these studies, it was concluded that system y+ was the only transporter present, with a prevalence of activity on the abluminal membrane. System y+ was voltage dependent and had a Km of 470 +/- 106 microM (SE) for lysine, a Ki of 34 microM for arginine, and a Ki of 290 microM for ornithine. In the presence of Na+, system y+ was inhibited by several essential neutral AAs. The Ki values were 3-10 times the plasma concentrations, suggesting that system y+ was not as important a point of access for these AAs as system L1. Several small nonessential AAs (serine, glutamine, alanine,and glycine) inhibited system y+ with Ki values similar to their plasma concentrations, suggesting that system y+ may account for the permeability of the BBB to these AAs. System y+ may be important in the provision of arginine for NO synthesis. Real-time PCR and Western blotting techniques established the presence of the three known nitric oxide synthases in cerebral endothelial cells: NOS-1 (neuronal), NOS-2 (inducible), and NOS-3 (endothelial). These results confirm that system y+ is the only CAA transporter in the BBB and suggest that NO can be produced in brain endothelial cells.

Localization of the Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 in the cerebral cortex

We studied the distribution and cellular localization of Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2, a member of the system A family of amino acid transporters, in the rat and human cerebral cortex using immunocytochemical methods. Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2-positive neurons were pyramidal and non-pyramidal, and Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2/GABA double-labeling studies revealed that Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 was highly expressed by GABAergic neurons. Double-labeling studies with the synaptophysin indicated that rare axon terminals express Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2. Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2-immunoreactivity was also found in astrocytes, leptomeninges, ependymal cells and choroid plexus. Electron microscopy showed robust Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2-immunoreactivity in the somato-dendritic compartment of neurons and in glial processes, but, as in the case of double-labeling studies, failed to reveal Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2-immunoreactivity in terminals. To rule out the possibility that the absence of Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1- and Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2-positive terminals was due to insufficient antigen detection, we evaluated Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1/synaptophysin and Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2/synaptophysin coexpression using non-standard immunocytochemical procedures and found that Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 and Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2+ terminals were rare in all conditions. These findings indicate that Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 and Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 are virtually absent in cortical terminals, and suggest that they do not contribute significantly to replenishing the Glu and GABA transmitter pools through the glutamate-glutamine cycle. The strong expression of Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 in the somato-dendritic compartment and in non-neuronal elements that are integral parts of the blood-brain and brain-cerebrospinal fluid barrier suggests that Na(+)-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 plays a role in regulating the levels of Gln and other amino acids in the metabolic compartment of cortical neurons.

Structure of the blood-brain barrier and its role in the transport of amino acids

Brain capillary endothelial cells form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They are connected by extensive tight junctions, and are polarized into luminal (blood-facing) and abluminal (brain-facing) plasma membrane domains. The polar distribution of transport proteins mediates amino acid (AA) homeostasis in the brain. The existence of two facilitative transporters for neutral amino acids (NAAs) on both membranes provides the brain access to essential AAs. Four Na(+)-dependent transporters of NAA exist in the abluminal membranes of the BBB. Together these systems have the capability to actively transfer every naturally occurring NAA from the extracellular fluid (ECF) to endothelial cells and from there into circulation. The presence of Na(+)-dependent carriers on the abluminal membrane provides a mechanism by which NAA concentrations in the ECF of brain are maintained at approximately 10% those of the plasma. Also present on the abluminal membrane are at least three Na(+)-dependent systems transporting acidic AAs (EAAT) and a Na(+)-dependent system transporting glutamine (N). Facilitative carriers for glutamine and glutamate are found only in the luminal membrane of the BBB. This organization promotes the net removal of acidic- and nitrogen-rich AAs from the brain and accounts for the low level of glutamate penetration into the central nervous system. The presence of a gamma-glutamyl cycle at the luminal membrane and Na(+)-dependent AA transporters at the abluminal membrane may serve to modulate movement of AAs from blood to the brain. The gamma-glutamyl cycle is expected to generate pyroglutamate (synonymous with oxyproline) within the endothelial cells. Pyroglutamate stimulates secondary active AA transporters at the abluminal membrane, thereby reducing the net influx of AAs to the brain. It is now clear that BBB participates in the active regulation of the AA content of the brain.

An active transport system in the blood–brain barrier may reduce levodopa availability

Levodopa, the primary drug used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease, is transported into the brain by the facilitative amino acid transporter (L1). We present here an unanticipated discovery: levodopa may be pumped out of the brain by a Na(+)-dependent transport system that couples the naturally occurring Na(+) gradient existing between the brain's extracellular fluid and the cytoplasm of capillary endothelial cells. The activity of this system reduces the net availability of levodopa.

Brain-to-blood transporters for endogenous substrates and xenobiotics at the blood-brain barrier: an overview of biology and methodology

In the past decade, research into P-glycoprotein involving the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has seen a shift in the concept of the BBB as a structural barrier to that of a functional barrier for xenobiotics and changed simultaneously the strategy for the discovery and development of drugs acting in the CNS. As far as making advances in neurotherapeutics are concerned, the brain-to-blood transport function at the BBB will be one of the most important issues. Knowing the limitations of the in vivo and in vitro methods for BBB efflux research, it is essential to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in investigating the true physiological role of the BBB. Among several methods, the Brain Efflux Index method and the use of conditionally immortalized brain capillary endothelial cell lines, established from transgenic rats harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene, are likely to be very useful tools for the BBB efflux transport research. According to our recent findings using these methods, several transporters in the brain capillary endothelial cells appear to play an important role in reducing the brain level of hydrophilic endogenous substrates produced either in the brain or peripheral organs, e.g., neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, metabolites of neurotransmitters, and uremic toxins. It has been reported also that large hydrophilic molecules, such as IgG, apo-transferrin, and amyloid-beta peptide, are susceptible to brain-to-blood efflux transport. In the light of the latest findings, we have formed the hypothesis that the BBB acts as a CNS detoxifying system for both endogenous substrates and xenobiotics in the brain. A fuller understanding of the physiological role of BBB efflux transporters will provide rational insights to assist in the development of safer neurotherapeutics.

New aspects of the blood-brain barrier transporters; its physiological roles in the central nervous system

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) segregates the circulating blood from interstitial fluid in the brain, and restricts drug permeability into the brain. Our latest studies have revealed that the BBB transporters play important physiological roles in maintaining the brain milieu. The BBB supplies creatine to the brain for an energy-storing system, and creatine transporter localized at the brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) is involved in BBB creatine transport. The BBB is involved in the brain-to-blood efflux transport of the suppressive neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and GAT2/BGT-1 mediates this transport process. BCECs also express serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. Organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) and ASCT2 are localized at the abluminal membrane of the BCECs. OAT3 is involved in the brain-to-blood efflux of a dopamine metabolite, a uremic toxin and thiopurine nucleobase analogs. ASCT2 plays a role in L-isomer-selective aspartic acid efflux transport at the BBB. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and small neutral amino acids undergo brain-to-blood efflux transport mediated by organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 and ATA2, respectively. The BBB transporters are regulated by various factors, ATA2 by osmolarity, taurine transporter by TNF-alpha, and L-cystine/L-glutamic acid exchange transporter by oxidative stress. Clarifying the physiological roles of BBB transport systems should give us important information allowing the development of better CNS drugs and improving our understanding of the relationship between CNS disorders and BBB function.

[Physiological function of blood-brain barrier transporters as the CNS supporting and protecting system]

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) segregates the circulating blood from interstitial fluid in the brain and restricts drug permeability into the brain. Our latest studies have revealed that the BBB transporters play important physiological roles in maintaining the brain environment. For an energy-storing system, the creatine transporter localized at the brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) mediates the supply of creatine from the blood to the brain. The BBB is involved in the brain-to-blood efflux transport of gamma-aminobutyric acid, and GAT2/BGT-1 mediates this transport process. BCECs also express serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. Organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) and ASCT2 are localized at the abluminal membrane of the BCECs. OAT3 is involved in the brain-to-blood efflux of a dopamine metabolite, a uremic toxin, and thiopurine nucleobase analogues. ASCT2 plays a role in L-isomer-selective aspartic acid efflux transport at the BBB. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and small neutral amino acids undergo brain-to-blood efflux transport mediated by organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 and ATA2, respectively. The BBB transporters are regulated by various factors: ATA2 by osmolarity, taurine transporter by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and L-cystine/L-glutamic acid exchange transporter by oxidative stress. Clarifying the physiological roles of BBB transport systems should give important information allowing the development of better central nervous system (CNS) drugs and improving our understanding of the relationship between CNS disorders and BBB function.

Localization of brain endothelial luminal and abluminal transporters with immunogold electron microscopy

Immunogold electron microscopy has identified a variety of blood-brain barrier (BBB) proteins with transporter and regulatory functions. For example, isoforms of the glucose transporter, protein kinase C (PKC), and caveolin-1 are BBB specific. Isoform 1 of the facilitative glucose transporter family (GLUT1) is expressed solely in endothelial (and pericyte) domains, and approximately 75% of the protein is membrane-localized in humans. Evidence is presented for a water cotransport function of BBB GLUT1. A shift in transporter polarity characterized by increased luminal membrane GLUT1 is seen when BBB glucose transport is upregulated; but a greater abluminal membrane density is seen in the human BBB when GLUT1 is downregulated. PKC colocalizes with GLUT1 within these endothelial domains during up- and downregulation, suggesting that a PKC-mediated mechanism regulates human BBB glucose transporter expression. Occludin and claudin-5 (like other tight-junctional proteins) exhibit a restricted distribution, and are expressed solely within interendothelial clefts of the BBB. GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) is uniformly expressed throughout the foot-processes and the entire astrocyte. But the microvascular-facing membranes of the glial processes that contact the basal laminae are also polarized, and their transporters may also redistribute within the astrocyte. Monocarboxylic acid transporter and water channel (Aquaporin-4) expression are enriched at the glial foot-process, and both undergo physiological modulation. We suggest that as transcytosis and efflux mechanisms generate interest as potential neurotherapeutic targets, electron microscopic confirmation of their site-specific expression patterns will continue to support the CNS drug discovery process.