Secretion from the cortex-free bovine adrenal medulla

1. The isolated bovine adrenal medulla was prepared from whole glands by careful removal of the cortex. The tissue was perfused with physiological salt solution and stimulated with a variety of secretogogues.2. Catecholamines were secreted from the tissue upon stimulation with carbamylcholine, nicotine sulphate, acetylcholine bromide, histamine dihydrochloride, (+)-amphetamine sulphate and potassium chloride.3. Carbachol-induced secretion of catecholamines was reduced in the presence of either hexamethonium bromide or tetracaine hydrochloride, during perfusion with calcium-free perfusion fluid, or during perfusion at low temperature.4. Stimulation of the medulla with carbachol also led to secretion of chromaffin granule protein and acid deoxyribonuclease. The relationships between catecholamines secreted and the amounts of these proteins secreted were similar to the corresponding values for the perfused whole bovine adrenal gland. Perfusate lactate dehydrogenase activity and perfusate haemoglobin content were unchanged after carbachol stimulation.5. It is concluded that there are no differences in the mechanisms for catecholamine secretion from the cortex-free perfused medulla and the perfused whole gland.     

Maturational changes in CYP2D16 expression and xenobiotic metabolism in adrenal glands from male and female guinea pigs.

CYP2D16 is expressed at high levels in the zona reticularis (ZR) of guinea pig adrenal glands and contributes to adrenal metabolism of xenobiotics. Studies were done to evaluate the effects of age and gender on adrenal CYP2D16 expression and xenobiotic metabolism. In both male and female guinea pigs at 1, 7, 14, or 30 weeks of age, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry confirmed that CYP2D16 was highly localized to the ZR of the adrenal gland. The steroidogenic P450 isozyme, CYP17, by contrast, was expressed in both the zona fasciculata and ZR. The intensity of CYP2D16 staining was not age- or gender-dependent. However, the proportion of each adrenal gland comprised by ZR and thus expressing CYP2D16 increased with aging in both sexes and was greater in males than in females. The rates of metabolism of bufuralol, a CYP2D-selective substrate, by adrenal microsomal preparations generally correlated with the amount of ZR (and CYP2D16) in the gland. Thus, adrenal xenobiotic-metabolizing activities were greater in males than in females at all ages and increased with aging in males. However, the rates of bufuralol metabolism declined in sexually mature females (14 weeks) from the levels found in prepubertal females (7 weeks) and then increased markedly in retired breeders (30 weeks), suggesting an inhibitory effect of estrogens on enzyme activity. The results indicate that the age and gender differences in adrenal CYP2D16 content are largely determined by differences in the size of the ZR rather than the concentrations of CYP2D16 within cells of the ZR. However, adrenal xenobiotic-metabolizing activities in females seem to be further modulated by an inhibitory effect of estrogens.     

Catecholamine release evoked by lithium from the perfused adrenal gland of the cat.

The effect of Li on catecholamine release by cat isolated retrogradely perfused adrenal gland was investigated. Replacement of Na (119 mM) by Li in the Krebs solution evoked a progressive increase in the spontaneous release of catecholamines that reached a maximum within 45 min and was Ca-dependent. This response was specific for Li, since sucrose or choline used as osmotic substitutes for Na, failed to increase the spontaneous release of catecholamines by the adrenal gland. In glands perfused with Li-Krebs for 30 min a sharp secretory response was observed when Li was replaced by sucrose or choline; no such an effect was seen when Li was replaced by Na. Partial replacement of Na by sucrose, in ouabain (10(-4) M, 10 min) pretreated glands perfused with normal Krebs induced a sharp increase in the catecholamine output whilst replacement by Li produced a significantly lower response. Reintroduction of Ca (2.5 mM, 2 min) in glands previously perfused with Ca-free, Mg-containing Li-Krebs, evoked a sharp increase in catecholamine release. No such an effect was seen when the glands were perfused with Ca-free normal, choline- or sucrose-Krebs. The release of catecholamines evoked by Ca reintroduction in glands previously perfused with Ca-free Li-Krebs was directly dependent on the Li concentration and the length of time of the Li loading period. In summary, our results indicate that Li accumulates in the cells and can partially substitute Na in the Na-Ca counter-transport system at the plasma membrane of the chromaffin cell.     

Modulation of the Brain Distribution of Imatinib and its Metabolites in Mice by Valspodar,Zosuquidar and Elacridar

PURPOSE: The selective protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib, inhibits the growth of glioma cells in preclinical models, but its poor brain distribution limits its efficacy in patients. P-glycoprotein (P-gp, rodent Mdr1a/1b or Abcb1a/1b) and Breast cancer resistance protein (rodent Bcrp1 or Abcg2) were suggested to restrict the delivery of imatinib to the brain. This study evaluates the effect of administering selective inhibitors of these transporters together with imatinib on the systemic and cerebral disposition of imatinib in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wild-type, Mdr1a/1b(-/-) and Bcrp1(-/-) mice were given imatinib intravenously, either alone, or with valspodar, zosuquidar (P-gp inhibitors), or elacridar (a P-gp and Bcrp1 inhibitor). The blood and brain concentrations of [(14)C]imatinib and its radioactive metabolites were determined. RESULTS: The blockade of P-gp by valspodar or zosuquidar (>3 mg/kg) enhanced the brain uptake of imatinib ( approximately 4-fold) in wild-type mice, but not that of its metabolites. Blockade of both P-gp and Bcrp1 by elacridar (>3 mg/kg) produced significantly greater brain penetration of imatinib (9.3-fold) and its metabolites (2.8-fold). In contrast, only the lack of P-gp enhanced imatinib brain penetration (6.4-fold) in knockout mice. These results of brain uptake correlated reasonably well with those obtained previously by our group using in situ brain perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Imatinib and its metabolites penetrate into the brain poorly and their penetration is limited by P-gp and (probably) Bcrp1. Administering imatinib together with P-gp (and Bcrp1) transporter inhibitors such as elacridar may improve the delivery of imatinib to the brain, making it potentially more effective against malignant gliomas.     

Influences of 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital and dexamethasone on xenobiotic metabolizing-related cytochrome P450 enzymes and steroidogenesis in human fetal adrenal cortical cells

AIM: To explore the influence and possible mechanism of xenobiotics on adrenal steroidogenesis during fetal development. METHODS: Primary human fetal adrenal cortical cells were prepared, cultured and treated with 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital and dexamethasone. The activities of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase, benzphetamine, aminopyrine and erythromycin N-demethylases were measured by enzyme assays. At the same time, quantitative analysis of steroid hormones cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone and progesterone were carried out in cultural medium by radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: The activities of benzphetamine and aminopyrine N-demethylase were increased in the cultural fetal adrenal cells treated with phenobarbital (0.25-1 mmol/L) for 24 h. Dexamethasone (25-100 micromol/L) also increased the activity of erythromycin N-demethylase. The activity of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase was undetected in the cells treated without and with 3-methylcholanthrene (0.5-2 micromol/L). Meanwhile, the contents of medium cortisol, aldosterone and progesterone were decreased after treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene. Cortisol, aldosterone and progesterone concentrations were also slightly decreased with phenobarbital. Dexamethasone enhanced the productions of cortisol and progesterone remarkably. The trend of testosterone concentration was uncertain after 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital or dexamethasone treatment. CONCLUSION: 3-Methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital or dexamethasone could interfere with the synthesis of cortisol, aldosterone and progesterone in primary human fetal adrenal cortical cells, which likely act through xenobiotic metabolizing-related cytochrome P450 isoform activation.     

P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux as a major factor in the variance of absorption and distribution of drugs: modulation of chemotherapy resistance

Active efflux of many therapeutics and other xenobiotics from cells and tissues by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) can cause dramatic effects on bioavailability. This expulsion of compounds from cells is known as a major form of multiple drug resistance (MDR). Often a significant barrier to oral absorption at the intestine, P-gp also protects the liver, brain, placenta, testes, adrenal gland and other tissues from cytotoxic insult. Due to the wide tolerance of substrate recognition, P-gp can often be the mechanism for significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions when two or more drugs are competing for the P-gp transport site. P-gp levels are also inducible and can be even further elavated in cancer cells, thus contributing to the confounding pleiotropic resistance to chemotherapy and poor treatment prognosis. Consequently, a broad scope of research over 20 years has led to the evaluation of co-therapies intended to augment chemotherapy by inhibiting P-gp. This review includes a list of the currently known P-gp inhibiting adjuvant candidates described in the literature, with associated references and summary data. The summary catalogue of P-gp modulators illustrates the ardent pursuit to overcome this form of therapy resistance and gives examples of clinical success and failure.     

Human pharmaceuticals modulate P-gp1 (ABCB1) transport activity in the fish cell line PLHC-1

The ubiquitous presence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic systems is a challenging problem as their potential chronic effects on aquatic organisms remain largely unknown. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport proteins contributing to the multidrug/multixenobiotic resistance (MDR/MXR) phenomenon seem to have an important role in the elimination of xenobiotics in aquatic organisms. Modulation of their efflux activities by contaminants may lead to substantial increase in intracellular accumulation and toxic effects of other xenobiotics. The aim of our work was to analyse a series of pharmaceuticals for their potential to modulate the activity of xenobiotic efflux transporters from the ABCB and ABCC sub-family in the Poeciliopsis lucida hepatoma cell (PLHC-1) fish cell line (PLHC-1/wt) and a doxorubicin (DOX) resistant PLHC-1 subclone (PLHC-1/dox) characterized by an elevated expression of the P-glycoprotein (ABCB1). Cellular accumulation of the model fluorescent substrates calcein-AM and rhodamine123 were used to determine an inhibitory effect on P-gp1 and/or MRP-like efflux transporters. 18 out of 33 tested pharmaceuticals showed MXR inhibitory activity with IC50 values occurring in the lower micromolar to millimolar range. Further, cytotoxic effects of pharmaceuticals were evaluated in PLHC-1/dox cells. Co-exposure of resistant cells to model P-gp1 inhibitor cyclosporine A (CyA) resulted in up to five times increased cytotoxicity of pharmaceuticals. In addition, some pharmaceuticals lead to a marked increase in cytotoxicity of doxorubicin, a model P-gp1 substrate. The modulation of toxicity by MDR inhibitors indicates their role in influencing cellular toxicity. In conclusion, the results of our study revealed significant inhibitory effects of environmentally relevant pharmaceuticals on P-gp1 and MRP-like transporters in fish. Our findings correspond well with data from mammalian systems indicating that the specificity and roles of the related efflux transporters may be similar in fish. Furthermore, due to the presence of active and inducible ABC transport proteins, the PLHC-1 cells appear to be a reliable in vitro system for the investigation of MDR/MXR mechanisms in fish.     

Inhibitory effects of cortical steroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone on catecholamine secretion in guinea-pig perfused adrenal glands

1 We investigated the effects of exogenously applied steroids and endogenously released cortisol on catecholamine (CA) secretion induced by cholinergic agonists in perfused guinea-pig adrenal glands. 2 Acetylcholine (ACh) and electrical stimulation induced CA secretion, which was reversibly inhibited by cortisol. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) increased the concentration of cortisol in the perfusion effluent and partly inhibited the secretory response to ACh. 3 Cortisol or aldosterone dose-dependently inhibited secretory responses to nicotine and muscarine. These inhibitory effects were not antagonized by mifepristone and spironolactone, respective cortisol and aldosterone receptor blockers. 4 Dexamethasone, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, prednisolone and cholesterol inhibited nicotine-evoked CA secretion. The secretory response to muscarine was inhibited by these compounds except for dexamethasone and prednisolone. 5 Dexamethasone, cortisol and aldosterone had no effect on CA secretion induced by high KCl. 6 These results suggest that steroids affect nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptor-mediated responses through distinct mechanisms, and that cortisol released from the adrenal cortex inhibits CA secretion from the adrenal medulla.     

Histopathological studies on experimental marine toxin poisoning--4. Pathogenesis of experimental maitotoxin poisoning

Repeated injections of 45 ng/kg of maitotoxin into the peritoneal cavities of male ICR mice resulted in marked atrophy of lymphoid tissues, a reduction of lymphocytes in the circulating blood, reduced immunoglobulin M in serum, and an increase of calcium content in the adrenal glands. A single injection of 200 ng/kg of maitotoxin induced a marked increase in total calcium content of the adrenal glands as well as in plasma cortisol concentration (about seven times control) within 1 hr. In contrast, mice pretreated with CoCl2, a calcium channel inhibitor, and/or adrenalectomized mice, showed no discernible changes in the lymphoid tissues after repeated injections of maitotoxin. It is thus suggested that maitotoxin first stimulates calcium influx in the adrenal glands, which then causes the release of cortisol into the blood. The excess amount of cortisol in serum produces acute involution of the thymus and other lymphoid tissues.     

Effect of bee venom and melittin on plasma cortisol in the unanesthetized monkey

Twenty-three adult Rhesus monkeys were injected subcutaneously with varying doses of bee venom or melittin which produced within 1–3 hr significant elevations in circulating plasma cortisol levels. These increases persisted for 72–96 hr, after which the cortisol levels returned to control values. The higher dose of venom or melittin usually produced the most pronounced elevations in cortisol. Reinjection at 72 hr resulted in a second increase in cortisol levels which persisted for 17–21 days followed by a gradual decline reaching near control levels at 30 days. The amount of melittin required to produce significant elevations in plasma cortisol was 1/10 that of whole bee venom. Four of the monkeys which received the higher doses of venom or melittin were autopsied and showed no significant gross or microscopic tissue changes. Surgical removal of the pituitary gland in four additional monkeys prevented the increase in cortisol previously noted in monkeys receiving either venom or melittin. Results indicate that bee venom or one of its components, melittin, appears to stimulate the production of cortisol from the adrenal gland through some action on the anterior pituitary gland. These observations may explain the reported beneficial effects of bee venom administration in a variety of disease conditions which also respond to adrenal steroid therapy.     

The effect of fatty acids and analogues upon intracellular levels of doxorubicin in cells displaying P-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance

Multidrug resistance mediated by overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a major obstacle in the chemotherapeutic management of cancer. The objectives of the current work were to examine if fatty acids affect the intracellular transport and dynamics of doxorubicin in drug-resistant cancer cell lines, and to assess if such effects were mediated through modulation of P-gp efflux pump activity. Among the range of fatty acids tested in this study, eicosapentaenoic acid diester (EPADI) increased doxorubicin accumulation [A] to 137% and retention [R] to 212% in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7/ADR breast carcinoma cells, and [A] to 147% and [R] to 163% in vinblastine-resistant KBVI nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Consistent with EPADI-induced increases in intracellular doxorubicin concentrations, EPADI (10 microg/ml) sensitized MCF-7/ADR cells to the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin (1 microg/ml) as assessed by MTT assay (viability < 50% of control), while EPADI itself displayed no cytotoxicity. The combination of EPADI (10 microg/ml) with verapamil (1 microM) resulted in a considerable increase in the [A] and [R] of the model P-gp substrate rhodamine-123 within drug-resistant cells compared to when either agent were used alone. KBV1 cells treated with combination of EPADI (10 microg/ml) and verapamil (1 microM) achieved 160% and 1120% greater [A] and [R] of rhodamine-123, respectively, compared to untreated cells. The P-gp modulatory effects of EPADI either alone, or as part of a combination with more potent inhibitors, should be further investigated.     

Arecoline inhibits catecholamine release from perfused rat adrenal gland

AIM: To study the effect of arecoline, an alkaloid isolated from Areca catechu, on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by cholinergic agonists and the membrane depolarizer from isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. METHODS: Adrenal glands were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The adrenal glands were perfused with Krebs bicarbonate solution by means of a peristaltic pump. The CA content of the perfusate was measured directly using the fluorometric method. RESULTS: Arecoline (0.1-1.0 mmol/L) perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition in CA secretory responses evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) (5.32 mmol/L), 1.1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP) (100 micromol/L for 2 min) and 3-(m-choloro-phenyl-carbamoyl-oxy)-2-butynyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (McN-A-343) (100 micromol/L for 2 min). However, lower doses of arecoline did not affect CA secretion of high K(+) (56 mmol/L); higher doses greatly reduced CA secretion of high K(+). Arecoline also failed to affect basal catecholamine output. Furthermore, in adrenal glands loaded with arecoline (0.3 mmol/L), CA secretory response evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 micromol/L), an activator of L-type Ca(2+) channels, was markedly inhibited, whereas CA secretion by cyclopiazonic acid (10 micromol/L), an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase, was not affected. Nicotine (30 micromol/L), which was perfused into the adrenal gland for 60 min, however, initially enhanced ACh-evoked CA secretory responses. As time elapsed, these responses became more inhibited, whereas the initially enhanced high K(+)-evoked CA release diminished. CA secretion evoked by DMPP and McN-A-343 was significantly depressed in the presence of nicotine. CONCLUSION: Arecoline dose-dependently inhibits CA secretion from isolated perfused rat adrenal gland evoked by activation of cholinergic receptors. At lower doses arecoline does not inhibit CA secretion through membrane depolarization, but at larger doses it does. This inhibitory effect of arecoline may be mediated by blocking the calcium influx into the rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells without the inhibition of Ca(2+) release from the cytoplasmic calcium store. There seems to be a difference in the mode of action of nicotine and arecoline in rat adrenomedullary CA secretion.     

Effect of muscarine on release of catecholamines from the perfused adrenal gland of the cat.

1 The secretory effect of muscarine was studied in the perfused adrenal gland of the cat. During perfusion of the adrenal gland with Krebs-bicarbonate solution containing muscarine 480 microM, the rate of catecholamine (CA) secretion was 2.02 +/- 0.43 micrograms/2 min in the first 2 min; thereafter, CA output declined only moderately, to reach about 70% of the initial value after 10 min. Secretory responses to brief infusions of muscarine remained reproducible for at least the first 3 infusions. 2 When the adrenal gland was perfused with muscarine (480 microM), infusions of high K+, nicotine, or veratridine produced their usual responses. A 100 fold lower dose of muscarine also failed to modify these responses. 3 During perfusion with high K+, muscarine evoked a secretory response that was only slightly smaller than the response to muscarine alone. 4 It is concluded that muscarine and nicotine activate CA secretion in the cat adrenal gland by independent mechanisms and that the muscarinic response, unlike the nicotinic response, is not readily desensitized.     

Selective inhibition of human cytochrome P450 3A4 by N-[2(R)-hydroxy-1(S)-indanyl]-5-[2(S)-(1, 1-dimethylethylaminocarbonyl)-4-[(furo[2, 3-b]pyridin-5-yl)methyl]piperazin-1-yl]-4(S)-hydroxy-2(R)-phenylmethy lpentanamide and P-glycoprotein by valspodar in gene transfectant systems.

Our previous report showed that L754.394 and valspodar (PSC833) are potent inhibitors of midazolam hydroxylation in human jejunum microsomes and vectorial transport of vinblastine in Caco-2 cells, respectively. In the present study, to directly examine the interactions of these compounds as well as other substrates with CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), we performed in vitro inhibition studies using recombinant CYP3A4-expressed microsomes and an MDR1-transfected cell line, LLC-MDR1, respectively. In CYP3A4-expressed microsomes, both L754.394 and ketoconazole, at a concentration less than 0.5 microM, are the most potent inhibitors of the formation of 1'-hydroxymidazolam, a major metabolite of midazolam formed by CYP3A4. The greatest inhibitory effect on the transcellular transport of digoxin in LLC-MDR1 cells was observed in the presence of valspodar (<0.1 microM), followed by verapamil. From a comparison of the IC(50) values, it was shown that L754.394 and valspodar exhibited the highest selectivity for CYP3A4 and P-gp, respectively. To demonstrate such specificity, both midazolam hydroxylation and digoxin transport were observed in CYP3A4 transfected Caco-2 cells, which coexpress both P-gp and CYP3A4, in the presence or absence of L754.394 (0.5 microM) and valspodar (1.0 microM). L754.394 almost completely inhibited midazolam hydroxylation, but not digoxin transport, whereas almost complete inhibition of digoxin transport was observed in the presence of valspodar, but inhibition of the hydroxylation was minimal. Thus, the present study has demonstrated that L754.394 has a specific inhibitory effect on CYP3A4, whereas valspodar is specific for P-gp.     

Effects of methoxyverapamil on the stimulation by Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ and on the inhibition by Mg2+ of catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla.

1 Bovine adrenal glands were perfused with Ca2+-free Locke solution and catecholamine release was induced either by the introduction of Ca2+, Sr2+ or Ba2+ into the perfusion fluid or by the substitution of Na+ by an osmotically equivalent amount of sucrose. 2 Methoxyverapamil (D600) at a concentration of 3 X 10(-4) M blocked the release of catecholamines in response to Ca2+, Sr2+ or Ba2+ stimulation but failed to block the release evoked by the omission of Na+. 3 Mg2+ (10 to 20 mM) blocked the release induced by Na+-deprivation; however, this inhibitory effect of Mg2+ was not modified by D600. 4 D600 blocked the increase in the efflux of 45Ca from the perfused gland induced by the introduction of Ca2+ into the perfusion fluid and blocked the uptake of 45Ca into adrenal medullary slices induced by K+ depolarization. 5 The results suggest that Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ may enter the chromaffin cell through the same channel and that this channel is blocked by D600. Mg2+ may enter the cell through the same Ca2+ channel but with a high rate of permeation or it may enter through a channel which is resistant to D600. Alternatively, Mg2+ may exert this inhibitory effect at an extracellular site.     

On the release of catecholamines and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase evoked by ouabain in the perfused cat adrenal gland.

1 Secretion of catecholamines (CA) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity from the retrogradely perfused cat adrenal gland was studied following ouabain infusion. Perfusion with ouabain (10(-4) M) for 10 min caused a gradual release of CA in the effluent which reached its peak 30 min after the ouabain pulse, and was maintained constant for at least 1 h. The effect of ouabain seemed to be irreversible. 2 Mecamylamine, while blocking the CA secretory effects of acetylcholine (ACh) perfusion, did not affect the secretion of CA evoked by ouabain. In denervated adrenal glands, ouabain-induced CA secretion was similar to that in the contralateral, innervated gland. However, physostigmine perfusion potentiated the CA secretory effects of ouabain. 3 The release of CA evoked by ouabain was accompanied by a proportional release of DBH activity. The time course of appearance of DBH activity followed the pattern of CA release. 4 The CA and DBH outputs in response to a pulse of ouabain were suppressed in the absence of calcium. Calcium reintroduction to a calcium-free perfused, ouabain-treated gland not only restored but greatly potentiated the release of CA and DBH. The amplitude of the secretory response to calcium reintroduction in ouabain-treated glands was proportional to the extracellular calcium concentration, and was antagonized by an external sodium-deficient medium. 5 These data demonstrate that ouabain releases CA from the perfused cat adrenal gland by a calcium-dependent exocytotic mechanism. The secretory effect of ouabain is not secondary to the release of ACh from cholinergic nerve terminals present in the adrenal gland, but due to a direct action on the chromaffin cell itself. In addition, the results suggest that this action is exerted through redistribution of monovalent cations secondary to the inhibition by the glycoside of the sodium pump. Such monovalent cation redistribution may cause a rise of intracellular ionized calcium levels through the activation of an internal sodium-dependent calcium influx system probably located in the chromaffin cell membrane.     

The Effect of Fatty Acids and Analogues upon Intracellular Levels of Doxorubicin in Cells Displaying P-Glycoprotein Mediated Multidrug Resistance

Abstract

Multidrug resistance mediated by overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a major obstacle in the chemotherapeutic management of cancer. The objectives of the current work were to examine if fatty acids affect the intracellular transport and dynamics of doxorubicin in drug-resistant cancer cell lines, and to assess if such effects were mediated through modulation of P-gp efflux pump activity. Among the range of fatty acids tested in this study, eicosapentaenoic acid diester (EPADI) increased doxorubicin accumulation [A] to 137% and retention [R] to 212% in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7/ADR breast carcinoma cells, and [A] to 147% and [R] to 163% in vinblastine-resistant KBV1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Consistent with EPADI-induced increases in intracellular doxorubicin concentrations, EPADI (10 μg/ml) sensitized MCF-7/ADR cells to the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin (1 μg/ml) as assessed by MTT assay (viability < 50% of control), while EPADI itself displayed no cytotoxicity. The combination of EPADI (10 μg/ml) with verapamil (1 μM) resulted in a considerable increase in the [A] and [R] of the model P-gp substrate rhodamine-123 within drug-resistant cells compared to when either agent were used alone. KBV1 cells treated with combination of EPADI (10 μg/ml) and verapamil (1 μM) achieved 160% and 1120% greater [A] and [R] of rhodamine-123, respectively, compared to untreated cells. The P-gp modulatory effects of EPADI either alone, or as part of a combination with more potent inhibitors, should be further investigated.