Extraneuronal Monoamine Transporter Research Articles

Genetic variability of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter EMT (SLC22A3).

The extraneuronal monoamine transporter EMT (HGNC Nomenclature SLC22A3) is the molecular correlate of the classical uptake(2) system responsible for the non-neuronal inactivation of circulating and centrally released catecholamines. Because of its functional profile and expression pattern, EMT is regarded as a candidate gene for diseases related to the sympathetic nervous system and neuropsychiatric disorders. We describe the first investigation of the genetic variability of the EMT gene in human. Six single-nucleotide substitutions and one deletion were detected within the assumed core promoter, the exonic and flanking intronic sequences and the 3'-untranslated region in 100 Caucasian individuals. No amino acid changes were found and Tajima's D was positive (D=2.91; P<0.01). However, the synonymous nucleotide substitution 1233G-->A might serve as a cryptic splice acceptor site. Analysis of linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms yielded 12 possible haplotypes accounting for more than 90% of all haplotypes. Knowledge of the sequence variation and frequency of the underlying polymorphisms in this member of the amphiphilic solute facilitator family of transporters provides the basis for subsequent association studies and candidate gene approaches.

Uptake of 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium (MPP+) by the JAR Human Placental Choriocarcinoma Cell Line: Comparison with 5-Hydroxytryptamine

The aim of this work was to characterize the uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in the JAR human choriocarcinoma cell line. As JAR cells, as well as the placenta, express the neuronal serotonin transporter (SERT), a comparison between the uptake of 3H-MPP+ and 3H-serotonin (3H-5HT) was made.Specific uptake of 3H-MPP+ (0.2μm ) was temperature-, Na+- and potential-dependent. 5HT and MPP+ reduced 3H-MPP+ specific uptake (for 5HT, its IC50 was found to be 4μm ). The SERT inhibitors desipramine and fluoxetine also inhibited 3H-MPP+ specific uptake (with IC50s of 189 and 0.92μm , respectively). The inhibitors of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) and of the organic cation transporter type 2 (OCT2), corticosterone and decynium22, had no effect on 3H-MPP+ specific uptake, but cyanine863 concentration-dependently reduced it (with an IC50 of 23μm ).Specific uptake of 3H-5HT (0.2μm ) by JAR cells was temperature-, Na+- and potential-dependent. 5HT, MPP+, desipramine and fluoxetine concentration-dependently inhibited 3H-5HT specific uptake (with IC50s of 1.9μm , 50μm , 0.17μm and 0.046μm , respectively). Corticosterone showed no effect, but decynium22 and cyanine863 significantly reduced3 H-5HT specific uptake. For cyanine863, its IC50 was found to be 11μm.In conclusion, the results suggest that: (1) uptake of 3H-5HT by JAR cells occurs exclusively through SERT; (2) uptake of3 H-MPP+ by JAR cells involves SERT and also another transporter; (3) neither EMT nor OCT2 are functionally present in JAR cells.

Molecular Targets for Steroids in Airway Vascular Smooth Muscle

The actions of norepinephrine (NE) released from airway sympathetic nerves are partially terminated by the extraneuronal catecholamine uptake. Because various steroid hormones inhibit extraneuronal uptake, it could be responsible for the airway vasoconstriction caused by inhaled glucocorticosteroids (GSs) in vivo. Using bronchial arteries obtained from donor lungs rejected for transplantation, we showed that a plasma membrane-associated transporter is responsible for NE uptake by airway vascular smooth muscle. We identified this transporter, namely the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT), by demonstrating its function and mRNA expression. Furthermore, we showed that the rapid, nongenomic inhibitory GS effect on EMT is likely mediated through the activation of specific K+ channels in the plasma membrane. We believe that our studies identified new molecular targets for GSs in modulating noradrenergic control of airway vascular tone.

Expression and functional characterization of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter in normal human astrocytes.

In this study we examined the functional expression of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) in normal human astrocytes (NHA). RT-PCR with EMT-specific primers demonstrated the presence of EMT mRNA in NHA. The RT-PCR products were subjected to restriction-site analysis using three different enzymes (HinfI, SacI and BclI). The restriction patterns with the three enzymes were identical and were exactly as expected from the known restriction map of human EMT cDNA. DNA sequencing was performed for the RT-PCR products from NHA. Sequence analysis demonstrated that the sequences of RT-PCR products were identical to that of EMT. The extract of NHA was immunoblotted with anti-EMT polyclonal antibody raised against EMT polypeptides. Western blotting indicated that anti-EMT polyclonal antibody recognized a band of 63 kDa. Immunocytochemical staining using anti-EMT polyclonal antibody in NHA revealed that the plasma membrane, as well as intracellular, perinuclear compartments, presumably endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi membranes, showed a considerable level of immunoreactivity. We examined the time course of temperature-dependent [3H]MPP+ uptake in NHA for 60 min. Temperature-dependent [3H]MPP+ uptake increased in a time-dependent manner for the initial 45 min and almost reached a plateau level (8.70 +/- 0.59 pmol/mg protein) at 60 min. In the presence of 3 micro m decynium22 (D22) (the most potent EMT inhibitor), temperature-dependent [3H]MPP+ uptake was strongly reduced by 61% (3.39 +/- 0.76 pmol/mg protein at 60 min). D22-sensitive [3H]MPP+ uptake was saturable over a MPP+ concentration of 6.25-200 micro m. Km for this process was 78.01 +/- 7.64 micro m and Vmax was 295.4 +/- 12.8 pmol/mg protein/min. D22-sensitive [3H]MPP+ uptake was reduced when the astrocyte membrane potential was depolarized by increasing the concentration of K+ in the uptake buffer or by adding Ba2+ to the uptake buffer. These results provide evidence that the MPP+ transport activity in NHA is potential-sensitive. Moreover, D22-sensitive [3H]MPP+ uptake was independent of extracellular Na+. D22-sensitive [3H]MPP+ uptake was inhibited by D22, various organic cations, steroids and monoamine neurotransmitters. Our results showed that the EMT is functionally expressed in NHA and may also play a key role in the disposition of cationic drugs, neurosteroids, the neurotoxin MPP+ and monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain.

Systemic ovalbumin sensitization downregulates norepinephrine uptake by rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells.

Norepinephrine (NE) concentration at alpha-adrenergic receptors is partially regulated by steroid-sensitive, extraneuronal catecholamine uptake (uptake-2). Because alpha(1)-adrenergic agonist- and glucocorticosteroid (GS)-induced bronchial vasoconstriction is enhanced in individuals with asthma, atopy could be associated with decreased uptake-2 by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We therefore evaluated whether NE uptake and its specific transporter messenger RNA (mRNA) were reduced in aortic SMCs of rabbits systemically sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). NE uptake was measured using a semiquantitative fluorescence microscopic method. Corticosterone and O-methyl-isoprenaline, but not desipramine, co-incubation (1 micro M each) for 20 min decreased NE uptake into SMCs, an inhibitor profile indicative of extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT). In OVA-sensitized rabbits, NE uptake was 25.9 +/- 4.5% (mean +/- SEM) lower than in control animals (P < 0.05). Sensitized serum had no effect on NE uptake into naive SMCs. EMT mRNA expression was measured in aortic smooth muscle, using multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. In OVA-sensitized rabbits, expression was 61.1 +/- 16.4% lower than in control animals (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that NE uptake by aortic SMCs is impaired in atopic rabbits, and associated with a decreased transporter mRNA expression. The same mechanism may operate in bronchial arteries in individuals with asthma.

Astroglial dopamine transport is mediated by norepinephrine transporter.

The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of the dopamine (DA) transport mechanism in cultured rat cortical astrocytes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with DA transporter (DAT)-, norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET)- and organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3)-specific primers demonstrated that rat cortical astrocytes and frontal cortex expressed DAT, NET and OCT3 mRNA. Specific [(3)H]DA and [(3)H]NE uptake were each partly inhibited by 1 micro M decynium 22, an extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) and OCT inhibitor. The selective NE uptake inhibitor nisoxetine (0.1 micro M) and the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine (1 micro M) very potently inhibited the specific uptake of both [(3)H]DA and [(3)H]NE in astrocytes. In contrast, 0.1 micro M GBR-12935, a selective and potent DA uptake inhibitor, had no inhibitory activity on the uptake of either compound. These results suggest that cortical astrocytes regulate extracellular DA and NE concentrations through the uptake of DA and NE by the glial NET but not by DAT. Furthermore, an uptake(2) mechanism contributes to DA uptake in cortical astrocytes.

Expression and pharmacological profile of the human organic cation transporters hOCT1, hOCT2 and hOCT3.

1. Organic cation transporters (OCTs) are involved in the elimination of monoamines and cationic xenobiotics. To examine whether some cell lines express several different OCTs, we investigated seven human cell lines for the mRNA expression pattern of the human (h) transporters hOCT1, hOCT2 and hOCT3. hOCT1 mRNA was found in all cell lines, six additionally expressed hOCT3 and only two cell lines contained all three hOCTs. 2. Among the three OCTs only for the OCT3 (also designated as 'uptake(2)' or 'extraneuronal monoamine transporter') 'selective' inhibitors are described in the literature. The affinities of the OCT3 inhibitors for the other two OCTs are largely unknown. Therefore, we compared the potencies of eight compounds as inhibitors of hOCT-mediated uptake of the organic cation [(3)H]-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([(3)H]-MPP(+)) in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells stably expressing hOCT1, hOCT2 or hOCT3. Decynium-22 inhibited hOCT3 with 10 fold higher potency than hOCT1 and hOCT2. Corticosterone was about 100 fold more potent as inhibitor of hOCT3 than of hOCT1 or hOCT2, and O-methylisoprenaline (OMI) inhibited almost exclusively hOCT3. Progesterone and beta-Oestradiol preferentially inhibited hOCT3 and hOCT1, whereas prazosin was a potent inhibitor of hOCT1 and hOCT3. Phenoxybenzamine (PbA) inhibited with about equal apparent potency all three hOCTs, whereas the PbA derivative SKF550 ((9-fluorenyl)-N-methyl-beta-chloroethylamine) preferentially inhibited hOCT3 and hOCT2. 3. PbA reversibly inhibited hOCT1 and irreversibly hOCT2 and hOCT3; SKF550 also irreversibly inhibited hOCT3 but hOCT2 in a reversible manner. 4. These compounds enable a functional discrimination of the three hOCTs: hOCT1 is selectively inhibited by prazosin, reversibly inhibited by PbA and it is not sensitive to inhibition by SKF550 and OMI; hOCT2 is reversibly inhibited by SKF550, irreversibly by PbA and not by prazosin, beta-oestradiol and OMI, whereas hOCT3 is selectively inhibited by corticosterone, OMI and decynium22.

Genetic manipulation of noradrenergic neurons.

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine has been the focus of intense investigation for nearly a century. With advances in technology come novel approaches for testing hypotheses about the physiological roles of norepinephrine and the genes involved in norepinephrine (NE) biosynthesis, metabolism, and noradrenergic signaling. Homologous recombination techniques, which generate mice deficient in specific gene products, aid the integrated physiologist and pharmacologist in the evaluation of protein function. Mouse models lacking proteins involved in NE biosynthesis or metabolism provide tools to expand the knowledge previously gleaned from pharmacologic studies. Removal of the biosynthetic enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase yield animals deficient in norepinephrine and have been used to further examine the role of NE in diverse physiologic roles. Complete removal of the vesicular monoamine transporter has demonstrated that mobilizing neurotransmitters to vesicles is required for animal survival. Lastly, the generation of animals in which the ability to remove NE from the synapse is impaired (norepinephrine transporter deficiency and extraneuronal monoamine transporter deficiency) and in which the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of NE have been removed (catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase) has facilitated the study of the long-term physiological consequences of altered NE homeostasis.

Uptake of [formula omitted]-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ( [formula omitted]-MPP +) by human intestinal Caco-2 cells is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms

Several transmembrane transporters of organic compounds are regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible regulation of the intestinal uptake of organic cations by these mechanisms. The intestinal apical uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP +) was studied by incubating Caco-2 cells at 37° for 5 min with 200 nM 3 H -MPP +. Uptake of 3 H -MPP + by Caco-2 cells was not affected by activators of protein kinase G, and was not affected or slightly reduced (by 15–20%) by activators of protein kinase A or protein kinase C. Uptake of 3 H -MPP + by Caco-2 cells was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), caffeine, teophylline). The ic 50 of IBMX was found to be 119 μM (102–138; n=9). Uptake of 3 H -MPP + by Caco-2 cells was not affected by inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase, but it was concentration-dependently reduced in the presence of inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Uptake of 3 H -MPP + by Caco-2 cells was strongly reduced by Ca 2+/calmodulin-mediated pathway inhibitors, but it was not dependent on extracellular Ca 2+. Our results suggest that the intestinal apical uptake of MPP + is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, being most probably active in the dephosphorylated state. Moreover, uptake of 3 H -MPP + by Caco-2 cells and by the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) are regulated in a very similar manner, suggesting an important participation of EMT in the intestinal uptake of this compound.

Regulation of human extraneuronal monoamine transporter (hEMT) expressed in HEK293 cells by intracellular second messenger systems.

Several transmembrane transporters of organic compounds are regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible regulation of the human extraneuronal monoamine transporter, hEMT, by these mechanisms. The experiments were performed using HEK293 cells stably transfected with pcDNA3hEMT (293hEMT). The characteristics of hEMT-mediated uptake of [3H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([3H]MPP+) were studied by incubating the cells at 37 degrees C for 1 min with 200 nM [3H]MPP+. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was not affected or only slightly reduced by modulators of protein kinase A, protein kinase C, or protein kinase G. It was not affected by an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase and was reduced by mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was independent of extracellular Ca2+ and strongly reduced by Ca2+/calmodulin pathway inhibitors. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was strongly reduced in the presence of non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors (IBMX, caffeine, theophylline). The effect of IBMX was independent of extracellular Ca2+ its IC50 was found to be 82.0 microM (66.2-101.6 microM; n=4), and its inhibitory effect resulted from a significant decrease in the maximal velocity of [3H]MPP+ uptake, with no change in the Michaelis-Menten constant. [3H]MPP+ uptake was reduced by 8-methoxy-methyl-IBMX, a selective inhibitor of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE1), but not by zaprinast, a selective inhibitor of PDE5. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was strongly reduced by protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors, by an alkaline phosphatase inhibitor and, by contrast. showed an increase in the presence of exogenous alkaline phosphatase. In conclusion, these results suggest that hEMT is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, being active in the dephosphorylated state.

Steroid sensitivity of norepinephrine uptake by human bronchial arterial and rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells.

We have shown that an inhaled glucocorticosteroid (GS) causes alpha(1)-adrenergic antagonist-blockable, rapid, and transient bronchial vasoconstriction in healthy and asthmatic subjects. Steroids inhibit norepinephrine (NE) uptake by non-neuronal cells, thereby increasing NE concentration at alpha-adrenergic receptor sites. This could explain the GS-induced bronchial vasoconstriction. We therefore studied expression of the steroid-sensitive extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) and steroid sensitivity of NE uptake in human bronchial artery and rabbit aorta (as a substitute for the limited supply of human bronchial artery). NE uptake was measured using a semiquantitative, sucrose-potassium phosphate-glyoxylic acid fluorescence method that we newly adapted for use in single cells. Both human bronchial arteries and rabbit aorta expressed messenger RNA for EMT, and steroids blocked NE uptake into freshly dissociated human bronchial arterial and rabbit aortic smooth-muscle cells (SMCs). In the latter, inhibition of NE uptake by steroids was not altered, either by a protein synthesis inhibitor (cycloheximide) or by a transcription inhibitor (actinomycin D), and corticosterone made membrane-impermeant by conjugation to bovine serum albumin inhibited NE uptake equipotently. These data show that NE uptake into bronchial arterial and rabbit aortic SMCs is sensitive to steroids, possibly mediated by EMT, and suggest a mechanism for GS-induced bronchial vasoconstriction.

Effect of P-glycoprotein modulators on the human extraneuronal monoamine transporter

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of P-glycoprotein modulators on human extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT)-mediated transport. The experiments were performed using a cell line from human embryonic kidney (HEK293 cells) stably transfected with pcDNA3hEMT (293 hEMT), or with pcDNA3 alone (293 control). Of the P-glycoprotein modulators tested, rhodamine123, verapamil and daunomycin concentration-dependently inhibited EMT-mediated uptake of [ 3H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([ 3H]MPP +). The corresponding IC 50's were found to be 3.6, 37 and 130 μM, respectively. By contrast, vinblastine, digitoxin and cyclosporine A were devoid of effect. The endogenous organic cation tyramine, but not choline, inhibited EMT-mediated transport (IC 50 of 468 μM). Moreover, l-arginine and l-histidine (up to 1 mM) did not affect [ 3H]MPP + uptake. Finally, MPP + and tyramine trans-stimulated [ 3H]MPP + uptake, but rhodamine123 had no effect, and verapamil and daunomycin trans-inhibited [ 3H]MPP + uptake. In conclusion, this study shows that several cationic modulators of P-glycoprotein inhibit EMT-mediated transport. As a consequence, the interaction of P-glycoprotein modulators with EMT must be taken into account, and the consequences of this interaction must not be forgotten when using such drugs in vivo.

Apical uptake of organic cations by human intestinal Caco-2 cells: putative involvement of ASF transporters.

The aim of this work was to characterise the intestinal absorption of organic cations, by testing the possibility of involvement of known members of the amphiphilic solute facilitator (ASF) family in this process. For that purpose, the characteristics of the uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, a model organic cation, at the brush-border membrane of Caco-2 cells were compared with those of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT)-mediated transport. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by Caco-2 and 293hEMT cells showed pH-dependence: it was significantly reduced (to 86% and 62% of control, respectively) when the pH of the extracellular medium was decreased to 6.2, and increased (to 116% and 136% of control, respectively) when the extracellular pH was increased to 8.2. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by Caco-2 cells and 293hEMT cells showed potential-dependence: substitution of KCl for NaCl in the incubation medium resulted in a reduction in the inward transport of [3H]MPP+ (to 70% and 40% of control, respectively). Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by Caco-2 and 293hEMT cells showed only little dependence on Na+: substitution of NaCl of the incubation media with LiCl resulted in a small decrease (of 19% and 14%, respectively) in [3H]MPP+ uptake. However, when NaCl was substituted with choline chloride, a significant reduction in [3H]MPP+ uptake by Caco-2 and 2931hEMT cells (of 56% and 68%, respectively) was observed. The effect of various compounds on initial rates of [3H]MPP+ uptake into Caco-2 and 293hEMT cells was tested. All compounds tested interacted with the specific [3H]MPP+ uptake in both cell lines. There was no correlation between the IC50s in relation to inhibition of [3H]MPP+ uptake into Caco-2 cells and into 293hEMT cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction indicates that mRNA of hEMT and of the human organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1) are present in Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that uptake of organic cations at the brush-border membrane of Caco-2 cells may occur through two distinct Na+-independent transporters belonging to the ASF family: hEMT and hOCT1.

The extraneuronal monoamine transporter Slc22a3/Orct3 co-localizes with the Maoa metabolizing enzyme in mouse placenta.

Monoamine clearance is a combined function of uptake mechanisms in the plasma membrane with intracellular metabolizing enzymes. Two different uptake mechanisms have been described. Uptake(1) is located in presynaptic neurones, whereas uptake(2) is extraneuronal. Recently, the Slc22a3/Orct3 gene was identified as the extraneuronal monoamine transporter. In mouse embryonic development Orct3 expression is restricted to the placenta, which is also a site of expression of neuronal transporters. We have used RNA blots and in situ hybridization to examine the expression of Orct3 and other members of the monoamine uptake and metabolizing pathways in mouse placenta. The results show that Orct3 expression overlaps that of the monoamine metabolizing enzyme Maoa in the labyrinth layer of the placenta with an expression pattern distinct from that of the neuronal transporters Slc6a2/Net and Slc6a4/Sert.

Anti-tumor efficacy of 2-chloroethyl-3-sarcosinamide-1-nitrosourea in a human lung cancer xenograft model with DNA repair gene expressions

To clarify whether 2-chloroethyl-3-sarcosinamide-1-nitrosourea (SarCNU) has an anti-tumor effect in DNA repair gene expressing tumors. Human non-small cell lung cancer cell line,NCI-H522,was implanted into 25 athymic mice and 6 were treated with SarCNU 120mg/kg once a day for 5 times intraperitoneally (ip).The left ones were given normal saline.The extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) expression,DNA repair gene O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and excision repair cross-complementing rodent repair deficiency gene (ERCC1-6) expressions were detected in the tumor specimens by using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Comparison of tumor size change between two groups was illustrated with T/C%. All the tumors were reduced in size through the treatment of SarCNU with the optimal T/C% of 23 at day 28.The tumor growth delay was 55 days,but no tumor free animals were observed.Positive EMT and DNA repair gene expression were observed in all tumor samples. The results suggest that anti-tumor effect of SarCNU in EMT positive tumor is satisfactory even though the tumor exhibits DNA repair gene expression,specifically MGMT and ERCC1-6.

Antitumor effect of sarcnu in a 06-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase positive human glioma xenograft model

Objective: To assess whether novel analogue of nitrosoureas, 2-chloroethyl-3-sarcosinamide-1-nitrosourea (SarCNU), has antitumor effect to 06-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) positive tumorsin vivo. Methods: MGMT positive human glioma cell line SF-767 xenografts in nude mice were treated with SarCNU. The antitumor efficacy of SarCNU was compared with the results of 1, 3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) treatment with or without 06-benzylguanine (06-BG) preadministration. Results: Since the SF-767 is MGMT strongly positive, BCNU treatment alone did not result in a satisfactory anticancer effect. As expected, 06-BG by depleting MGMT activity, significantly enhanced BCNU antitumor efficacy (P<0.001). More interestingly, SarCNU treatment alone had a better antitumor effect than O6-BG plus BCNU treatment (F=51.7,P=0.00036). Conclusion: Since SarCNU enters cells via extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT), the enhanced antitumor activity of SarCNU in this MGMT positive human tumor xenograft model may be due to the presence of EMT in SF-767. SarCNU may be used as an alternative treatment for MGMT positive tumors, specifically for tumors expressing EMT.

Expression of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter in RPE and neural retina

Expression of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter in RPE and neural retina

Expression of the extraneuronal monoamine transporter in RPE and neural retina

Purpose. Dopamine has several important functions in the retina including a possible role in controlling photoreceptor disk shedding to the RPE. While some cells express a transporter for dopamine, the RPE cell does not, leading us to ask whether the newly described catecholamine transport system, the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (uptake 2) (also known as organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), is present in RPE and might function as a transporter for dopamine. OCT3 also accepts histamine as a transportable substrate and so we investigated the interaction of this retinal neurotransmitter with OCT3. Methods. OCT3 expression in the mouse eye was analyzed by in situ hybridization, Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR. OCT3 function was analyzed in cultured human ARPE-19 cells by monitoring the uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium (MPP +) , a neurotoxin, which is a known substrate for OCT3. Results. In situ hybridization analysis showed that OCT3 is expressed in mouse RPE and in several cell types of the neural retina, including photoreceptor, ganglion, amacrine, and horizontal cells. The expression of OCT3 in RPE was confirmed by Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR. The characteristics of MPP + uptake in cultured ARPE-19 cells included the stimulation of transport by alkaline pH, high affinity (K t = 28 ± 4 µM), competition with several cationic drugs and monoamine neurotransmitters and sensitivity to steroids. In addition, the uptake of MPP + in RPE cells was inhibited by dopamine and histamine with IC 50 values (concentration needed for 50% inhibition) of 637 ± 84 µM and 150 ± 20 µM, respectively. Conclusions. This study provides the first report on the expression and function of an organic cation transporter, OCT3, in the eye and in particular the RPE. The data have physiological and pharmacological relevance as it is likely that OCT3 participates in the clearance of dopamine and histamine from the subretinal space and may also play a key role in the disposition of the retinal neurotoxin MPP +.

Selective Substrates for Non-Neuronal Monoamine Transporters

The recently identified transport proteins organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1), OCT2, and extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) accept dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and 5-hydroxytryptamine as substrates and hence qualify as non-neuronal monoamine transporters. In the present study, selective transport substrates were identified that allow, by analogy to receptor agonists, functional discrimination of these transporters. To contrast efficiency of solute transport, stably transfected 293 cell lines, each expressing a single transporter, were examined side by side in uptake experiments with radiolabeled substrates. Normalized uptake rates indicate that tetraethylammonium, with a rate of about 0.5 relative to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), is a good substrate for OCT1 and OCT2. It was not, however, accepted as substrate by EMT. Choline was transported exclusively by OCT1, with a rate of about 0.5 relative to MPP+. Histamine was a good substrate with a rate of about 0.6 relative to MPP+ for OCT2 and EMT, but was not transported by OCT1. Guanidine was an excellent substrate for OCT2, with a rate as high as that of MPP+. Transport of guanidine by OCT1 was low, and transport by EMT was negligible. With the guanidine derivatives cimetidine and creatinine, a pattern strikingly similar to guanidine was observed. Collectively, these substrates reveal key differences in solute recognition and turnover and thus challenge the concept of "polyspecific" organic cation transporters. In addition, our data, when compared with previous studies, suggest that OCT2 corresponds to the organic cation/H+ antiport mechanism in renal brush-border membrane vesicles, and that EMT corresponds to the guanidine/H+ antiport mechanism in membrane vesicles from placenta and intestine.

Pharmacological characterization of dopamine transport in cultured rat astrocytes

The effects of GBR-12909 (selective DA uptake inhibitor), zimelidine (selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor) and nisoxetine (selective NE uptake inhibitor) on the uptake of 30 nM [ 3H]DA into cultured rat astrocytes were examined. [ 3H]DA uptake was inhibited by approximately 50 % by GBR-12909 or zimelidine in a concentration-dependent manner (100 nM ~ 10 μM). Furthermore, the inhibition curves of GBR-12909 were biphasic, and uptake was completely inhibited by a high concentration of GBR-12909 (100 μM). [ 3H]DA uptake was also inhibited by approximately 50 % by nisoxetine in a concentration-dependent manner (0.1 ~ 100 nM), and nisoxetine was more potent than GBR-12909 or zimelidine. The inhibitory potencies were in the order nisoxetine > GBR-12909 > zimelidine. The uptake of [ 3H]DA under Na +-free conditions was approximately 50 % ofthat under normal conditions. Thus, DA was taken up by both Na +-dependent and Na +-independent mechanisms. Nisoxetine (100 nM), zimelidine (100 μM) and GBR-12909 (10 μM) inhibited [ 3H]DA uptake into astrocytes only in the presence of Na +. On the other hand, this uptake was completely inhibited by a high concentration of GBR-12909 (100 μM) in the absence of Na +. The present data suggest that the Na +-dependent uptake of [ 3H]DA in cultured rat astrocytes may occur in the NE uptake system. Furthermore, astrocytes express the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (uptake 2), which is an Na +-independent system, and this transporter is involved in the inactivation of centrally released DA.