Role Of P-glycoprotein Research Articles

Role of P-glycoprotein in refractoriness of seizures to antiepileptic drugs in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Mechanism of seizure refractoriness to antiepileptic drugs in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is not known. Efflux of antiepileptic drugs due to increased expression/function of P-glycoprotein, a multidrug efflux transporter protein on the cell surface is a proposed mechanism. The authors studied the expression/function of P-glycoprotein on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 29 children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 23 children with other epilepsies, and 19 healthy children. The authors found a higher P-glycoprotein expression/function in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a higher percent positive cells as compared to children with other epilepsy (P < 0.001) and to healthy controls (P = 0.012), higher P-glycoprotein expression as compared to healthy controls (P = 0.003), a higher total P-glycoprotein expression (relative florescence intensity × percent positive cells) as compared to children with other epilepsies (P < 0.001) and healthy controls (P < 0.001), and a higher P-glycoprotein function as compared to children with other epilepsies (P = 0.001) and healthy controls (P = 0.002). These findings may explain seizure refractoriness to anti-epileptic drugs in Lennox-Gastaut syndome.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux limits intestinal absorption of the Hsp90 inhibitor SNX-2112 in rats

1. The promising anticancer agent SNX-2112 (a novel Hsp90 inhibitor) is poorly bioavailable after oral administration. Here, we aim to determine the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the intestinal absorption of SNX-2112.2. We found that SNX-2112 significantly stimulated P-gp ATPase activity in in vitro ATPase assay with a small EC50 (the half-maximal effective concentration) value of 0.32 µM.3. In the single-pass perfused rat intestine model, absorption of SNX-2112 was not favored in the small intestine with a (the wall permeability) value of 0.38–0.64. By contrast, the compound was well absorbed in the colon with a value of 1.19. The P-gp inhibitors cyclosporine and elacridar (i.e. GF120918A) markedly enhanced SNX-2112 absorption in all four intestinal segments (i.e. duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon) and the fold change ranged from 3.1 to 14.1. Pharmacokinetic study revealed that cyclosporine increased the systemic exposure of SNX-2112 by a 2.5-fold after oral administration.4. This is the first report that P-gp-mediated efflux is a limiting factor for intestinal absorption of SNX-2112 in rats.

Role of P-Glycoprotein in Regulating Cilnidipine Distribution to Intact and Ischemic Brain

Cilnidipine is reported to show antihypertensive and neuroprotective actions in a rat brain ischemia model, but is barely distributed to normal brain, suggesting that its uptake into normal brain is inhibited by efflux transporter(s), such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Here, we investigated whether P-gp regulates the brain distribution of cilnidipine. Intracellular accumulation of cilnidipine was decreased in P-gp-overexpressing porcine kidney epithelial cells (LLC-GA5-COL150 cells) compared with control LLC-PK1 cells and the decrease was markedly inhibited by verapamil, a P-gp inhibitor. Further, cilnidipine concentration in the brain of P-gp knockout mice was significantly increased after cilnidipine administration, compared with that in wild-type mice. Moreover, when cilnidipine was administered to male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with tandem occlusion of the distal middle cerebral and ipsilateral common carotid artery, its concentration in the ischemic hemisphere was 1.6-fold higher than that in the contralateral hemisphere. This result was supported by visualization of cilnidipine distribution using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) imaging. Our results indicated that cilnidipine is normally excluded from the brain by P-gp-mediated efflux transport, but P-gp function is impaired in ischemic brain and consequently cilnidipine is distributed to the ischemic region.

Comparative study of the sensitivities of cancer cells to doxorubicin, and relationships between the effect of the drug-efflux pump P-gp.

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) of cancers to chemotherapy including doxorubicin (DOX) is mediated by several factors. To design an effective therapy for the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant cancers, it is essential to explore the elements responsible for mediating MDR. However, exploring these factors in detail in a wide range of tumor types is challenging as several critical analytical steps are involved. Here, we demonstrated the way of exploring the factors mediating MDR in the tumor types without performing the analysis at the molecular level of cells. The sensitivities of 15 different types of cancer cells to DOX were evaluated, and the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), one of the major efflux-pumps, was explored. A correlation curve was developed between the intracellular amounts of DOX and the sensitivities of cells, and, based on this correlation, the cells were classified in response to the involvement of P-gp that mediates MDR. P-gp plays an active role in mediating MDR of cancer cells where a correlation between the sensitivities of cells and the accumulated DOX exists. In contrast, in cells that show a resistance to DOX but whose sensitivities are independent of the amount of accumulated drug, it was reasonably presumed that mechanisms other than P-gp are likely to be involved in mediating MDR. Based on the correlation between the availability of a drug and cell sensitivity, it would be reasonable to explore the factors governing cancer MDR, which is essential in designing an effective therapeutic approach for treating chemotherapy-resistant cancers using chemotherapeutic drugs.

Role of P-Glycoprotein in the Distribution of the HIV Protease Inhibitor Atazanavir in the Brain and Male Genital Tract

The blood-testis barrier and blood-brain barrier are responsible for protecting the male genital tract and central nervous system from xenobiotic exposure. In HIV-infected patients, low concentrations of antiretroviral drugs in cerebrospinal fluid and seminal fluid have been reported. One mechanism that may contribute to reduced concentrations is the expression of ATP-binding cassette drug efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The objective of this study was to investigate in vivo the tissue distribution of the HIV protease inhibitor atazanavir in wild-type (WT) mice, P-gp/breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp)-knockout (Mdr1a-/-, Mdr1b-/-, and Abcg2-/- triple-knockout [TKO]) mice, and Cyp3a-/- (Cyp) mice. WT mice and Cyp mice were pretreated with a P-gp/Bcrp inhibitor, elacridar (5 mg/kg of body weight), and the HIV protease inhibitor and boosting agent ritonavir (2 mg/kg intravenously [i.v.]), respectively. Atazanavir (10 mg/kg) was administered i.v. Atazanavir concentrations in plasma (Cplasma), brain (Cbrain), and testes (Ctestes) were quantified at various times by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In TKO mice, we demonstrated a significant increase in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (5.4-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (4.6-fold) ratios compared to those in WT mice (P<0.05). Elacridar-treated WT mice showed a significant increase in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (12.3-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (13.5-fold) ratios compared to those in vehicle-treated WT mice. In Cyp mice pretreated with ritonavir, significant (P<0.05) increases in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (1.8-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (9.5-fold) ratios compared to those in vehicle-treated WT mice were observed. These data suggest that drug efflux transporters, i.e., P-gp, are involved in limiting the ability of atazanavir to permeate the rodent brain and genital tract. Since these transporters are known to be expressed in humans, they could contribute to the low cerebrospinal and seminal fluid antiretroviral concentrations reported in the clinic.

Enhanced intestinal absorption of etoposide by self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems: Roles of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A inhibition

Etoposide is recognized as a dual P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) substrate drug with poor water-solubility. To improve its solubility and bioavailability, three novel self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) contained the known P-gp and CYP3A inhibitory surfactants, Cremophor RH40, Cremophor EL, or Polysorbate 80, were prepared. This work aims to evaluate the enhanced intestinal absorption of etoposide SMEDDS as well as to explore the roles of P-gp and CYP3A inhibition in the absorption process. Etoposide SMEDDS were orally administered to rats for in vivo bioavailability investigation. In situ single-pass intestinal perfusion with mesenteric vein cannulation was employed to study the drug permeability and intestinal metabolism. In vitro Caco-2 cell models were applied to study the effects of P-gp and CYP3A inhibition by SMEDDS on the cellular accumulation of etoposide. It was found that the bioavailability and in situ intestinal absorption were significantly enhanced by SMEDDS with the order of Polysorbate 80-based SMEDDS>Cremophor EL-based SMEDDS>Cremophor RH40-based SMEDDS. In addition, there was a dramatically high linear correlation between the AUC0–t values and the apparent permeability coefficient values based on the appearance of the drug in mesenteric vein blood. Cellular uptake studies demonstrated that P-gp inhibition by SMEDDS played an important role in etoposide uptake. Moreover, etoposide metabolism was demonstrated to be dramatically inhibited by the three kinds of SMEDDS. These finding may assist in the improvement of the intestinal absorption of P-gp and/or CYP3A substrate drugs.

Role of P-glycoprotein in the efflux of raltegravir from human intestinal cells and CD4+ T-cells as an interaction target for anti-HIV agents

Cellular efflux and uptake transports of several anti-HIV agents are mediated by plasma membrane-localized solute transporters. However, transporters involved in raltegravir disposition have not been fully characterized. Here, we performed in vitro studies to identify transporters mediating transcellular transport of raltegravir. Transepithelial raltegravir transport was examined using porcine kidney epithelial cell line (LLC-PK1) and LLC-PK1 cells stably transfected with P-glycoprotein (also known as Multiple drug resistance 1) (L-MDR1). Transepithelial transport of raltegravir in Caco-2 cell monolayers, and intracellular accumulation of raltegravir in the MT-2 and MT-4 (CD4+ T-) cells were measured in the presence or absence of anti-HIV agents. The uptake of raltegravir was investigated in HEK-293 cells expressing each of several solute carrier family transporters. The apical-to-basal raltegravir transport was significantly decreased in L-MDR1 as compared to that in LLC-PK1 monolayers. In HEK-293 cells expressing breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), raltegravir accumulation was lower than that in the mock-transfected cells. In Caco-2 cells, protease inhibitors including nelfinavir, ritonavir and lopinavir enhanced the apical-to-basal transport of raltegravir. By contrast, reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as zidovudine, efavirenz, and nevirapine, had no effect on raltegravir transport. The cellular accumulation of raltegravir in MT-2 cells, which express P-glycoprotein, was significantly increased in the presence of protease inhibitors. By contrast, protease inhibitors only marginally increased the accumulation of raltegravir in MT-4 cells, in which P-glycoprotein is not expressed. The present findings suggest that raltegravir is a substrate of both P-glycoprotein and BCRP. Protease inhibitors increase the absorptive transport of raltegravir in Caco-2 cells, and the cellular accumulation in T-cells, at least in part, by P-glycoprotein-mediated interaction.

Re-evaluation of the role of P-glycoprotein in in vitro drug permeability studies with the bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells

1. Currently available in vitro blood-brain barrier models all have recognized restrictions. In addition to leakiness, inconsistent data about P-glycoprotein mediated efflux limit the attractiveness of the primary bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMECs). Therefore, we re-evaluated the role of P-glycoprotein mediated efflux with two culture conditions in BBMECs for prediction of drug permeability of potential P-glycoprotein substrates.2. BBMECs were monocultured on filters on petri dishes and on filter inserts, and expression and localization of P-glycoprotein were compared by using western blot and confocal microscopy, respectively. The functionality of P-glycoprotein was assessed by using cellular uptake, calcein-AM and bidirectional transport assays.3. P-glycoprotein expression was higher in BBMECs cultured on filter inserts decreasing the permeability of digoxin and paclitaxel, but not the permeability of vinblastine. However, the monocultured BBMECs were not able to demonstrate efflux in the bidirectional transport assays. Under certain culture conditions, occludin may not be correctly located, perhaps explaining in part the leakiness of BBMECs.4. In conclusion, BBMECs, despite possessing a functional P-glycoprotein, under certain culture conditions may not be a suitable in vitro model for the bidirectional transport assays and for predicting the permeability of drugs and xenobiotics that are potential P-glycoprotein substrates.

Evaluation of First-Pass Cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A) and P-glycoprotein Activities Using Felodipine and Hesperetin in Combination in Wistar Rats and Everted Rat Gut Sacs in Vitro

The effects of hesperetin on the pharmacokinetics and the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the transport of felodipine were investigated in rats and in vitro. Felodipine was administered orally (10 mg/kg) without or with hesperetin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) to rats for 15 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected at different time intervals on 1(st) day in single dose pharmacokinetic study (SDS) and on 15(th) day in multiple dose pharmacokinetic study (MDS). The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞ ) and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) of felodipine were dose-dependently increased in SDS and MDS with hesperetin compared to control ( p < 0.001). The half-life (t1/2 ) and mean residence time was longer than the control group in both studies. The role of P-gp determined using everted rat gut sacs in vitro by incubating felodipine with or without hesperetin and verapamil (typical P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitor). The in vitro experiments revealed that the verapamil and hesperetin increased the intestinal absorption of felodipine (p < 0.01). Concurrent use of hesperetin dramatically altered the pharmacokinetics of felodipine leading to an increase in systemic exposure. The likely mechanism is inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism and P-gp in the intestine and the liver.

In Vitro Investigation of Amyloid-β Hepatobiliary Disposition in Sandwich-Cultured Primary Rat Hepatocytes

Failure in amyloid-β (Aβ) systemic clearance across the liver has been suggested to play a role in Aβ brain accumulation and thus to contribute largely to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to characterize in vitro the transport mechanisms of Aβ₄₀ across the liver using sandwich-cultured primary rat hepatocytes (SCHs) and to determine its biliary clearance (CL(bile)) and biliary excretion index (BEI%). ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ BEI% was time dependent and reached steady state at 30 minutes, with an average value of 29.8% and a CL(bile) of 1.47 ml/min per kilogram of body weight. The role of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) in mediating the basolateral uptake of ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ in SCHs was assessed using receptor-associated protein (RAP, 2 µM). A significant reduction in ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ BEI% and CL(bile) with RAP was observed, demonstrating a major contribution of LRP1 in mediating hepatic uptake of intact ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ via transcytosis. Furthermore, activity studies suggested a lower role of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ hepatic uptake. Verapamil (50 µM) and valspodar (20 µM) significantly reduced ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ BEI%, indicating a role for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the biliary excretion of ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ in SCHs. LRP1- and P-gp-mediated ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ biliary excretion was inducible and increased BEI% by 26% after rifampicin pretreatment. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that besides LRP1, P-gp and, to a lesser extent, RAGE are involved in ¹²⁵I-Aβ₄₀ hepatobiliary disposition and support the use of enhancement of Aβ hepatic clearance via LRP1 and P-gp induction as a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of AD.

The role of P-glycoprotein in CNS antihistamine effects

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a drug efflux pump expressed, amongst others, on the luminal surface of the cerebral endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier. Studies in rodents have demonstrated that antihistamines that are substrates of the P-gp transporter display no or minor central nervous system (CNS) effects as compared to antihistamines that are not P-gp transporter substrates. The present study explored whether P-gp contributes in similar ways to the occurrence of sedative effects of antihistamines in humans. An fMRI study was conducted according to a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design in 13 healthy volunteers. Participants received cetirizine 15mg (an antihistamine), verapamil 120mg (a P-gp blocker), a combination of cetirizine + verapamil, and a placebo. Brain activity was assessed while conducting the attention network test (ANT) in a 3T magnetic resonance scanner. The ANT measures three independent attention domains: i.e., alerting, orienting, and executive attention. It was expected that the combined treatment of cetirizine with verapamil would prevent efflux of cetirizine from the CNS, thus increasing attentional impairment, as compared to cetirizine administered alone. The present study provides evidence that the P-gp transporter is involved in central antihistamine effects in humans. Participants were less alert during the combined treatment of cetirizine and verapamil as indicated by longer reaction times and decreased blood oxygen level-dependent response in the right superior temporal gyrus. It is concluded that the affinity for the P-gp transporter may contribute to the lower incidence of CNS side effects of certain antihistamines.

A Possible Role of P-Glycoprotein in BSE

A Possible Role of P-Glycoprotein in BSE

Role of P-glycoprotein at the blood-testis barrier on adjudin distribution in the testis: a revisit of recent data.

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in mammals including rodents and humans. It is used to sequester meiosis I and II, postmeiotic spermatid development via spermiogenesis and the release of sperm at spermiation from the systemic circulation, such that these events take place in an immune-privileged site in the adluminal (apical) compartment behind the BTB, segregated from the host immune system. Additionally, drug transporters, namely efflux (e.g., P-glycoprotein) and influx (e.g., Oatp3) pumps, many of which are integral membrane proteins in Sertoli cells at the BTB also work cooperatively to restrict the entry of drugs, toxicants, chemicals, steroids and other xenobiotics into the adluminal compartment. As such, the BTB that serves as an important physiological and selective barrier to protect germ cell development also poses a "hurdle" in male contraceptive development. For instance, adjudin, 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide, a potential nonhormonal male contraceptive that exerts its effects on germ cell adhesion, most notably at the Sertoli cell-spermatid interface, to induce "premature" germ cell loss from the seminiferous epithelium mimicking spermiation, has a relatively poor bioavailability largely because of the BTB. Since male contraceptives (e.g., adjudin) will be used by healthy men for an extended period of his life span after puberty, a better understanding on the BTB is necessary in order to effectively deliver drugs across this blood-tissue barrier in particular if these compounds exert their effects on developing germ cells in the adluminal compartment. This can also reduce long-term toxicity and health risk if the effective dosing can be lowered in order to widen the margin between its safety and efficacy. Herein, we summarize latest findings in this area of research, we also provide a critical evaluation on research areas that deserve attention in future studies.

Factors that Restrict the Cell Permeation of Cyclic Prodrugs of an Opioid Peptide, Part 3: Synthesis of Analogs Designed to have Improved Stability to Oxidative Metabolism

Previously, our laboratory reported that cyclic peptide prodrugs of the opioid peptide H-Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-D-Leu-OH (DADLE) are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, which limits their systemic exposure after oral dosing to animals. In an attempt to design more metabolically stable cyclic prodrugs of DADLE, we synthesized analogs of DADLE cyclized with a coumarinic acid linker (CA; CA-DADLE), which contained modifications in the amino acid residues known to be susceptible to CYP450 oxidation. Metabolic stability and metabolite identification studies of CA-DADLE and its analogs were then compared using rat liver microsomes (RLM), guinea pig liver microsomes (GPLM), and human liver microsomes (HLM), as well as recombinant human recombinant cytochrome P450 3A4 (hCYP3A4). Similar to the results observed for CA-DADLE, incubation of its analogs with RLM, GPLM, and HLM resulted in monohydroxylation of an amino acid side chain on these cyclic prodrugs. When CA-DADLE was incubated with hCYP3A4, similar oxidative metabolism of the peptide was observed. In contrast, incubation of the CA-DADLE analogs with hCYP3A4 showed that these amino-acid-modified analogs are not substrates for this CYP450 isozyme. These results suggest that the amino-acid-modified analogs of CA-DADLE prepared in this study could be stable to metabolic oxidation by CYP3A4 expressed in human intestinal mucosal cells.

Influence of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of ranolazine in rats and in vitro models

The aim of our study was to enhance the bioavailability of ranolazine by using herbal-bioenhancer quercetin in rats and to study the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in vitro models. In single dose study (SDS), rats were divided into four groups, Group I was treated with 0.5% sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC), Group II was treated with ranolazine (14 mg/kg), Group III was treated with quercetin (20 mg/kg) and Group IV was treated with both ranolazine and quercetin. The blood samples were collected at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h, and the concentration of ranolazine in the plasma was estimated by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method. In multiple dose study (MDS), rats were treated with same drugs for 7 days. On 8th day, the concentration of ranolazine in plasma was estimated. In vitro study performed on the rat and chick intestinal sacs to study the intestinal transport of ranolazine in the presence and absence of quercetin and verapamil (P-gp-inhibitor). Quercetin increased the peak concentration (Cmax) of ranolazine from 254 ± 8.45 to 324 ± 10.21 and 331 ± 9.65 ng/mL in SDS and MDS, respectively. Quercetin also increased area under the curve (AUC) of ranolazine from 1565.12 ± 52.24 to 2016.98 ± 142.65 and 2070.85 ± 271.60 ng/mL/h in SDS and MDS, respectively. The transport of ranolazine from mucosal side to serosal side was increased in presence of quercetin. Quercetin is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P-gp. So it increased the AUC and Cmax of ranolazine.

P-Glycoprotein Is a Major Determinant of Norbuprenorphine Brain Exposure and Antinociception

Norbuprenorphine is a major metabolite of buprenorphine and potent agonist of μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors. Compared with buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine causes minimal antinociception but greater respiratory depression. It is unknown whether the limited antinociception is caused by low efficacy or limited brain exposure. Norbuprenorphine is an in vitro substrate of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (Mdr1), but the role of P-glycoprotein in norbuprenorphine transport in vivo is unknown. This investigation tested the hypothesis that limited norbuprenorphine antinociception results from P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux and limited brain access. Human P-glycoprotein-mediated transport in vitro of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, and their respective glucuronide conjugates was assessed by using transfected cells. P-glycoprotein-mediated norbuprenorphine transport and consequences in vivo were assessed by using mdr1a(+/+) and mdr1a(-/-) mice. Antinociception was determined by hot-water tail-flick assay, and respiratory effects were determined by unrestrained whole-body plethysmography. Brain and plasma norbuprenorphine and norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide were quantified by mass spectrometry. In vitro, the net P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux ratio for norbuprenorphine was nine, indicating significant efflux. In contrast, the efflux ratio for buprenorphine and the two glucuronide conjugates was unity, indicating absent transport. The norbuprenorphine brain/plasma concentration ratio was significantly greater in mdr1a(-/-) than mdr1a(+/+) mice. The magnitude and duration of norbuprenorphine antinociception were significantly increased in mdr1a(-/-) compared with mdr1a(+/+) mice, whereas the reduction in respiratory rate was similar. Results show that norbuprenorphine is an in vitro and in vivo substrate of P-glycoprotein. P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux influences brain access and antinociceptive, but not the respiratory, effects of norbuprenorphine.

Role of P-glycoprotein in emamectin benzoate (SLICE®) resistance in sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis

Emamectin benzoate (EMB; SLICE®) has been the drug of choice for the control of sea lice in salmon aquaculture within the past decade due to its ease of administration as well as efficacy on all parasitic stages of sea lice. This over-reliance has led to increased tolerance to the drug and a consequent decline in its use. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) are known to be involved in drug resistance. The present study investigated 1) the interaction of EMB with P-gp, 2) the effect of increasing EMB concentrations on P-gp mRNA expression in male and female sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms in the Bay of Fundy, NB, as well as 3) changes in the mRNA expression of the transporter in archived adult female L. salmonis. Analysis of bioassay results indicated a 4 to 26 fold higher EMB EC50 for samples collected in 2011 compared to a similar study carried out between 2002 and 2004 suggesting loss of EMB efficacy in the parasite. An assay for ATPase activity as well as a competitive inhibition test showed that EMB interacts with the transporter. Emamectin benzoate had a significant concentration-dependent effect on P-gp mRNA expression in the parasite. There was a temporal increase in levels of P-gp mRNA in sea lice samples collected from 2002 to 2011. Our results indicate that EMB is a substrate for P-gp and that the transporter could be involved in the loss of efficacy of the parasiticide in L. salmonis.

P.3.020 The role of P-glycoprotein in central antihistamine effects

P.3.020 The role of P-glycoprotein in central antihistamine effects

Role of P-Glycoprotein in Intestinal Absorption of FB2, a Promising Abl/Src Dual Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

FB2 is a promising Abl/Src dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor which is designed to overcome imatinib resistance. The present study aims to investigate the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in intestinal absorption of FB2 with an in vitro Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1 cell model, single-pass intestinal perfusion model and in vivo pharmacokinetics with a selective inhibitor in rats. The results from Caco-2 cells indicated that P(appB-A) of FB2 and its metabolites (FB7 and FB10) were much higher than P(appA-B), and the efflux ratio (P(appB-A)/P(appA-B)) of FB2, FB7 and FB10 were decreased with P-gp inhibitor LSN335984; FB2 was further confirmed to be the substrate of P-gp in MDCK-MDR1 cells. In addition, P(blood) of FB2 and the cumulative amount of metabolites in mesenteric blood were elevated in a concentration-dependent manner in rat intestinal perfusion, while both of them were remarkably increased when P-gp inhibitor was added. The F(oral) of FB2 was increased to 24.52% when orally coadministrated with verapamil (25 mg/kg), which was significantly higher than that (5.7%) by FB2 (18 mg/kg) alone in rats. The AUC and Cmax of FB2 metabolites (FB7 and FB10) were also increased in the presence of verapamil. In conclusion, the low bioavailability of FB2 is believed to be partially due to the P-gp mediated active efflux and first-pass metabolism in the rat intestine.

Effects of simvastatin on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, after oral and intravenous administration in rats: possible role of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 inhibition by simvastatin

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, simvastatin, on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and diltiazem are sometimes prescribed as a combination therapy for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The effect of simvastatin on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activity was evaluated. Simvastatin inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 3.0µM. In addition, simvastatin significantly enhanced the cellular accumulation of rhodamine-123 in MCF-7/ADR cells overexpressing P-gp. The pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined after oral and intravenous administration of diltiazem to rats in the presence and absence of simvastatin (0.3 and 1.0mg/kg). The areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the peak concentration (Cmax) of diltiazem were significantly (p<0.05, 1.0mg/kg) increased by 45.2% and 35.2%, respectively, in the presence of simvastatin compared to control. Consequently, the absolute bioavailability (AB) values of diltiazem in the presence of simvastatin (1.0mg/kg) were significantly (p<0.05) higher (44.8%) than that of the control group. Moreover, the relative bioavailability (RB) of diltiazem was 1.21- to 1.45-fold greater than that in the control group. The metabolite-parent AUC ratio (MR) in the presence of simvastatin (1.0mg/kg) significantly decreased compared to the control group. This result implied that simvastatin effectively inhibited the metabolism of diltiazem.The increase in diltiazem oral bioavailability might be attributable to enhanced absorption in the small intestine via the inhibition of P-gp and to reduced first-pass metabolism of diltiazem via the inhibition of the CYP3A subfamily in the small intestine and/or in the liver rather than renal elimination of diltiazem by simvastatin.