Mrp1 Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein and P-Glycoprotein Expression in Rat Brain Microvessel Endothelial Cells

Abstract: Two membrane glycoproteins acting as energy-dependent efflux pumps, mdr -encoded P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the more recently described multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), are known to confer cellular resistance to many cytotoxic hydrophobic drugs. In the brain, P-gp has been shown to be expressed specifically in the capillary endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier, but localization of MRP has not been well characterized yet. Using RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis, we have compared the expression of P-gp and Mrp1 in homogenates, isolated capillaries, primary cultured endothelial cells, and RBE4 immortalized endothelial cells from rat brain. Whereas the mdr1a P-gp-encoding mRNA was specifically detected in brain microvessels and mdr1b mRNA in brain parenchyma, mrp1 mRNA was present both in microvessels and in parenchyma. However, Mrp1 was weakly expressed in microvessels. Mrp1 expression was higher in brain parenchyma, as well as in primary cultured brain endothelial cells and in immortalized RBE4 cells. This Mrp1 overexpression in cultured brain endothelial cells was less pronounced when the cells were cocultured with astrocytes. A low Mrp activity could be demonstrated in the endothelial cell primary monocultures, because the intracellular [³H]vincristine accumulation was increased by several MRP modulators. No Mrp activity was found in the cocultures or in the RBE4 cells. We suggest that in rat brain, Mrp1, unlike P-gp, is not predominantly expressed in the blood-brain barrier endothelial cells and that Mrp1 and the mdr1b P-gp isoform may be present in other cerebral cells.     

Puromycin selectively increases mdr1a expression in immortalized rat brain endothelial cell lines

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in controlling the passage of molecules from blood to brain extracellular fluid. The multidrug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is highly expressed in the luminal membrane of brain endothelium and contributes to the formation of a functional barrier to lipid-soluble drugs such as anticancer agents. The mdr1a P-gp-encoding gene is exclusively expressed in the rodent BBB. Primary cultures of rat brain endothelial cells and GP8.3 cells showed a dramatic decrease in mdr1a mRNA level and some expression of mdr1b mRNA. GPNT cells, derived from GP8.3 cells after transfection with a puromycin resistance gene, were chronically treated with 5 microg/mL puromycin, a P-gp substrate. Compared with rat brain endothelial cells and GP8.3 cells, GPNT cells exhibited a very high level of expression of mdr1a mRNA together with a moderate level of mdr1b mRNA expression. Accordingly, P-gp expression and activity were strongly increased. When GP8.3 and puromycin-starved GPNT cells were treated with puromycin, mdr1a expression was selectively increased. High expression of mdr1a mRNA in GPNT cells may thus be related to the chronic treatment with puromycin. We conclude that GPNT cells may be used as a valuable rat in vitro model for studying the regulation of mdr1a expression at the BBB level.     

Effect of chronic exposure to morphine on the rat blood-brain barrier: focus on the P-glycoprotein

Morphine may affect the properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by modifying the expression of certain BBB markers. We have determined the effect of chronic morphine treatment on the expression and function of some BBB markers in the rat. The mRNAs of 19 selected genes encoding caveolins, endothelial transporters, receptors and tight junctions proteins in the total RNA of isolated cortex microvessels were assayed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of genes Mdr1a, Mrp1, Bcrp, Glut-1 and Occludin, was slightly increased, while that of Flk-1 was decreased in microvessels from morphine-treated rats. The expression of the Mrd1a and Mdr1b genes encoding the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) also increased in the whole hippocampus and cortex of morphine-treated rats. The Mdr1a gene induction (1.38-fold) observed by qRT-PCR was also confirmed using in situ hybridization technique (1.40-fold). Immunoblotting revealed an increase in P-gp expression in the hippocampus (1.8-fold) and cortex (1.36-fold) of morphine-treated rats, but no effect in isolated microvessels. In contrast, morphine treatment increased by 1.48-fold the expression of P-gp in a large vessel-enriched fraction. The integrity of the BBB, measured by in situ brain perfusion of [(14)C]-sucrose, and the activity of P-gp at the BBB, measured with the P-gp substrate [(3)H]-colchicine, were not modified by morphine. Immunohistofluorescence experiments revealed that P-gp expression is restricted to large vessels and microvessels in control rats and that morphine treatment did not induce the expression of P-gp in the brain parenchyma (astrocytes or neurons). Taken together, our results showed that chronic morphine treatment does not significantly alter BBB integrity or P-gp activity. The impact of morphine-mediated P-gp induction observed in large vessels remains to be determined in terms of brain disposition of drugs that are P-gp substrates.     

Immunohistochemical localization of P-glycoprotein in rat brain and detection of its increased expression by seizures are sensitive to fixation and staining variables.

The MDR1 gene product, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), was shown to confer multidrug resistance to cancer cells, but its overexpression is also suggested to be involved in pharmacoresistance of epilepsy by acting as an energy-dependent drug-efflux pump in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In normal brain tissue, P-gp is almost exclusively expressed by capillary endothelial cells (EC) of the BBB, whereas little or no expression is detected in other cell types. Increased P-gp expression was observed after seizures, but localization of this increase, i.e., within brain capillary EC or within parenchymal or perivascular astrocytes, which contribute to the BBB function, is controversial. To test whether these antithetic data arise from unusual properties of the antigen itself, we compared different immunohistochemical techniques and monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to P-gp in normal rat brain and rat brain after kainate-induced seizures. Using acetone-fixed cryostat sections of snap-frozen tissue, strong P-gp labeling was detected in EC and, after seizures, in hippocampal neurons, but not in astrocytes. In contrast, EC and neuronal P-gp immunolabeling were not seen in paraformaldehyde-fixed sections, whereas both perivascular and parenchymal astrocytes exhibited strong P-gp labeling after seizures. The lack of P-gp labeling in EC by paraformaldehyde fixation, was reversed by treatment of the sections with acetate/ethanol. These experiments demonstrate that various fixation conditions have a striking effect on the immunohistochemical localization of P-gp in rat brain and detection of its increased expression by seizures. When data obtained from different immunohistochemical techniques are taken together, seizures seem to induce overexpression of P-gp in four different cell types, i.e., EC, perivascular astrocytes, parenchymal astrocytes, and neurons.     

Antinociceptive effects of morphine-6-glucuronide in homozygous MDR1a P-glycoprotein knockout and in wildtype mice in the hotplate test

Morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G), a major metabolite of morphine with agonist opioid-receptor activity, was reported to be a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Inhibition of P-gp may thus result in higher brain uptake of M6G. The goal of this observer-blinded, placebo controlled study, was to compare the antinociceptive effects of M6G in homozygous P-gp knockout (mdr1a(-/-)) and wildtype (mdr1a(+/+)) mice. M6G was injected intraperitoneally as a single dose of 0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg. Eight P-gp knockout and eight wildtype mice were studied per dose. A hot plate test was performed before and 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min after M6G administration. Plasma-concentrations of M6G, morphine, and morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) were measured after intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg M6G in another 14 P-gp knockout and 14 wildtype mice. No difference neither in the dose response relationship, nor in the time course of response latency times were observed between P-gp knockout and wildtype mice. However, latency times increased with higher doses of M6G, with antinociception significantly different from placebo at a M6G dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg. P-gp knockout mice tended to have higher plasma concentrations than the wildtype. However, plasma concentrations widely overlapped between groups and therefore no statistical significant group difference could be detected. We conclude that despite reported doubling of M6G brain uptake, absence of mdr1a coded P-gp does not enhance antinociceptive effects of M6G in the hotplate test after acute single-dose administration in mdr1a(-/-) knockout mice.     

MDR1A (ABCB1)-deficient CF-1 mutant mice are susceptible to cerebral malaria induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA

Under experimental conditions, Plasmodium berghei infection causes cerebral malaria (CM) in susceptible strains of mice such as C57BL/6 and CBA/Ca, whereas BALB/c or DBA/2J strains serve as a model for CM-resistant mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate the susceptibility of the CF1 mouse strain, carrying a spontaneous mutation of the mdr1a gene, to infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA). The mdr1a gene codes for P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1), an efflux pump that is one of the major components of the blood-brain barrier. P-gp effluxes a broad range of xenobiotics from the brain to blood, preventing accumulation and toxicity in the central nervous system. CFI mdr1a (-/-) mice are used to investigate drug transport by efflux pumps. Because many antimalarial agents are effluxed by P-gp (mefloquine, quinine), it was important to determine whether CF1 mice can develop cerebral malaria to predict drug toxicity during cerebral malaria. Our work showed that CF1 mdr1a (-/-) mice are susceptible to PbA. CF1 and C57BL/6N mice (the reference strain) infected with PbA have similar profiles with regard to clinical signs, brain histological lesions, and brain macrophagic activation observed by immunohistological methods.     

Loss of PECAM-1 function impairs alveolarization

The final stage of lung development in humans and rodents occurs principally after birth and involves the partitioning of the large primary saccules into smaller air spaces by the inward protrusion of septae derived from the walls of the saccules. Several observations in animal models implicate angiogenesis as critical to this process of alveolarization, but all anti-angiogenic treatments examined to date have resulted in endothelial cell (EC) death. We therefore targeted the function of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, (PECAM-1), an EC surface molecule that promotes EC migration and has been implicated in in vivo angiogenesis. Administration of an anti-PECAM-1 antibody that inhibits EC migration, but not proliferation or survival in vitro, disrupted normal alveolar septation in neonatal rat pups without reducing EC content. Three-dimensional reconstruction of lungs showed that pups treated with a blocking PECAM-1 antibody had remodeling of more proximal branches resulting in large tubular airways. Subsequent studies in PECAM-1-null mice confirmed that the absence of PECAM-1 impaired murine alveolarization, without affecting EC content, proliferation, or survival. Further, cell migration was reduced in lung endothelial cells isolated from these mice. These data suggest that the loss of PECAM-1 function compromises postnatal lung development and provide evidence that inhibition of EC function, in contrast to a loss of viable EC, inhibits alveolarization.     

PECAM-1 isoform-specific regulation of kidney endothelial cell migration and capillary morphogenesis

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) has been implicated in angiogenesis through its involvement in endothelial cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and signal transduction. Recent studies indicate that the cytoplasmic domain of PECAM-1 plays an important role in its cell adhesive and signaling properties. However, the role PECAM-1 isoforms play during angiogenic events such as cell adhesion and migration requires further delineation. To gain insight into the role PECAM-1 plays during vascular development and angiogenesis, we examined the expression pattern of PECAM-1 isoforms during kidney vascularization. We show that multiple isoforms of PECAM-1 are expressed during renal vascular development with different frequencies. The PECAM-1 that lacks exons 14 and 15 (14&15) was the predominant isoform detected in the renal vasculature. To further study PECAM-1 isoform-specific functions we isolated kidney endothelial cells (EC) from wild-type and PECAM-1-deficient (PECAM-1–/–) mice with B₄-lectin-coated magnetic beads. PECAM-1–/– kidney EC showed reduced migration, inability to undergo capillary morphogenesis in Matrigel, dense peripheral focal adhesions, and peripheral cortical actin distribution compared with wild-type cells. PECAM-1–/– kidney EC secreted increased amounts of fibronectin and decreased amounts of tenascin-C and thrombospondin-1. Reexpression of 14&15, but not full-length, PECAM-1 in PECAM-1–/– kidney EC restored cell migration and capillary morphogenesis defects. Thus PECAM-1 may regulate the adhesive and migratory properties of kidney EC in an isoform-specific fashion through modulation of integrin activity and extracellular matrix protein expression. Our results indicate that regulated expression of specific PECAM-1 isoforms may enable EC to accommodate the different stages of angiogenesis. CD31; alternative splicing; angiogenesis; integrins; extracellular matrix     

Modulation of P-glycoprotein function by sphingosine kinase-1 in brain endothelial cells

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ABC-transporter highly expressed in brain capillaries, protects the brain by extruding xenobiotics. However, its overexpression has also been associated with the multidrug resistance phenotype in tumors. Here, we have investigated the regulation of P-gp transport activity by sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK-1) in brain endothelial cells. We first demonstrated that SphK-1 is overexpressed in endothelial cells (EC) isolated from rat brain tumors compared with EC from normal brain. We also provide evidence that the overexpression of SphK-1 in the cerebral EC line RBE4 leads to the up-regulation of P-gp, both at the gene and protein levels, and that this modulation depends on the catalytic activity of SphK-1. Moreover, we determined the effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), the product of SphK-1, on P-gp function. S1P strongly stimulates P-gp transport activity, without modulating its expression. Finally, we found that the S1P-mediated stimulation of P-gp activity is mediated by S1P-1 and S1P-3 receptors at the RBE4 cell surface. Altogether, these results indicate that SphK-1 and its product S1P are involved in the control of P-gp activity in RBE4 cells. Since SphK-1 is overexpressed in EC from brain tumors, these data also suggest that this kinase and its product could contribute to the acquisition and the maintenance of the multidrug resistance phenotype in brain tumor-derived endothelial cells.     

Reversal MDR in breast carcinoma cells by transfection of ribozyme designed according the secondary structure of mdr1 mRNA

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle in cancer chemotherapy. The present study aims to investigate whether the ribozyme could reverse MDR in breast carcinoma cells. In this study, two GUC sites (GUC106 and GUC135) on the surface of mdr1 mRNA were selected according to the secondary structure of the 5'-region of mdrl mRNA. The ribozyme gene RZ106 and RZ135 complementary to two sides bases of the target GUC were synthesized and cloned into the plasmid pEGFP -C1 which has EGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein) as report gene and Kan/Neo as selection gene. After transfection with the recombinant plasmid and selected by G418, the stable cell clones were produced and used for detection. The alteration of mdr1 mRNA and P-gp in the treated cells was detected by RT-PCR, flow cytometry and Rh123 retention. The reversal efficiency of the drug resistance for adriamycin was determined by MTT assay. The results showed that after transfection with RZ106 and RZ135, the amount of the mdr1 mRNA and P-gp decreased significantly and the efflux function of P-gp was inhibited accordingly. Nine-fold and 16-fold reduction of resistance for adriamycin was observed in the two groups of treated cells. These results suggested that both ribozymes can reverse the MDR phenotype by inhibiting the expression of mdr1 mRNA and P-gp, and the RZ135 showed the better cleavage efficiency. The ribozyme strategy designed according the secondary structure of the target RNA could be a useful therapy for reversal of MDR.     

Developmental expression of P-glycoprotein (multidrug resistance gene product) in the rat brain.

P-Glycoprotein (PGP), a product of the multidrug resistance gene (mdr), acts as an adenosine triphosphate-dependent drug efflux system in cells. Initially, PGP was found in cancer cells, but it is now known that PGP is richly distributed in the adult brain. Passage to the central nervous system is limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and mdr1 gene-deficient mice showed up-regulation of BBB permeability. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of PGP in the rat brain during development. PGP protein was predominantly detected in the membrane fraction of the adult rat brain, although it was also faintly detected in the cytosolic fraction. PGP protein in the membrane fraction was undetectable in the embryo and early stages of postnatal development by immunoblotting studies, was first detected on postnatal day (P) 7, and then gradually increased to reach a plateau. Such changes were observed commonly in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Immunohistochemical studies showed that PGP immunoreactivity was first detected on P7, and intense PGP immunoreactivity was observed in the adult rat brain. Double-immunolabeling studies revealed that PGP was colocalized with von Willebrand factor-immunoreactive capillaries. We further examined the colocalization of PGP and astrocytes using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a marker. Three-dimensional analysis showed that the GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes possessed fine processes which ensheathed capillaries, but the PGP immunoreactivity did not colocalize with the GFAP immunoreactivity. These results indicate that PGP expression increased with postnatal development and is localized in the brain capillaries.     

Diallyl disulfide, a chemopreventive agent in garlic, induces multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 expression

The organosulfur compounds (OSCs), present in garlic, are studied for their protective effect against human cancers. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) are two transporters involved in the defense of cells and in the development of multidrug resistance. Whereas OSCs increase glutathione S-transferase activity (GST), Mrp2 plays a role in the transport of glutathione (GSH)-conjugates. In this study, we have investigated the effect of two OSCs, diallyl disulfide (DADS) and S-allyl cysteine (SAC), on P-gp and Mrp2 expression in renal brush-border membranes. By Western blot analysis, our results show that DADS induces Mrp2 expression (by 7-fold), which correlates with the rise of GST activity and GSH levels. Surprisingly, a co-administration of OSC with cisplatin, an anticancer drug, significantly increased Mrp2 gene and protein expression (by 30-fold), suggesting that DADS could potentiate the effects of cisplatin. Interestingly, SAC and cisplatin in co-treatment decreased P-gp protein expression and mdr1b isoform mRNA levels. In addition, modulation of the mdr1b isoform and Mrp2 by cisplatin was completely abolished by a glutathione precursor, N-acetyl cysteine. These results indicate that OSCs present in a garlic-rich diet might alter chemotherapeutic treatments using P-gp or Mrp2 substrates.     

Alteration of Mrp2 and P-gp expression, including expression in remote organs, after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

The present study was carried out in order to identify the changes in expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 2 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the intestine and remote organs after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Mrp2 expression in the jejunum and liver was decreased at 6 h after I/R. This decrease in Mrp2 expression was associated with an increase in the serum level of IL-6. These results suggest that the decreased Mrp2 expression after intestinal I/R was regulated by IL-6. The expression level of mdr1a in the ileum, which encodes P-gp, was decreased at 6 and 24 h after I/R, and the expression level of mdr1b, also encodes P-gp, was not altered at any time. P-gp protein expression in the ileum was decreased at 6 h after I/R. In the liver, mdr1a expression was decreased at 6 h after I/R, but mdr1b expression was increased at 6 h after I/R. P-gp protein was not altered at any time. In the kidney, mdr1a expression was decreased at 24 h after I/R, but mdr1b expression was not altered at any time. P-gp protein expression in the kidney was decreased at 24 h after I/R, as was mdr1a expression. These results suggest that P-gp expression after intestinal I/R differs in each organ. This is the first report to provide evidence that expression levels of transporters in remote organs are altered intestinal after I/R.     

The reversion effect of the RNAi-silencing mdr1 gene on multidrug resistance of the leukemia cell HT9

Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the mdr1 gene product, confers multidrug resistance (MDR) to tumor cells and often limits the efficacy of chemotherapy. This study evaluated RNAi for specific silencing of the mdr1 gene and reversion of multidrug resistance. Three different short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) were designed and constructed in a pSilencer 3.1-H1 neo plasmid. The shRNA recombinant plasmids were transfected into HT9 leukemia cells. The RNAi effect was evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting and cell cytotoxicity assay. In the cell, shRNAs can specifically down-regulate the expression of mdr1, mRNA and P-gp. Resistance against harringtonine, doxorubicin and curcumin was decreased. The study indicated that shRNA recombinant plasmids could modulate MDR in vitro.     

MAPKs (ERK1/2, p38) and AKT can be phosphorylated by shear stress independently of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) in vascular endothelial cells

PECAM-1 (CD31) is a member of the Ig superfamily of cell adhesion molecules and is expressed on endothelial cells (EC) as several circulating blood elements including platelets, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. PECAM-1 tyrosine phosphorylation has been observed following mechanical stimulation of EC but its role in mechanosensing is still incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of PECAM-1 in signaling cascades in response to fluid shear stress (SS) in vascular ECs. PECAM-1-deficient (KO) and PECAM-reconstituted murine microvascular ECs, 50 and 100% confluent bovine aortic EC (BAEC), and human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) transfected with antisense PECAM-1 oligonucleotides were exposed to oscillatory SS (14 dynes/cm2) for 0, 5, 10, 30 or 60 min. The tyrosine phosphorylation level of PECAM-1 immunoprecipitated from SS-stimulated PECAM-reconstituted, but not PECAM-1-KO, murine ECs increased. Although PECAM-1 was phosphorylated in 100% confluent BAEC and HUVEC, its phosphorylation level in 50% confluent BAECs or HUVEC was not detected by SS. Likewise PECAM-1 phosphorylation was robust in the wild type and scrambled-transfected HUVEC but not in the PECAM-1 antisense-HUVEC. ERK(1/2), p38 MAPK, and AKT were activated by SS in all cell types tested, including the PECAM-1-KO murine ECs, 50% confluent BAECs, and HUVEC transfected with antisense PECAM-1. This suggests that PECAM-1 may not function as a major mechanoreceptor for activation of MAPK and AKT in ECs and that there are likely to be other mechanoreceptors in ECs functioning to detect shear stress and trigger intercellular signals.     

Ischemia injury alters endothelial cell properties of kidney cortex: stimulation of MMP-9

Although ischemia is the leading cause of acute renal failure in human, there is little information on the remodeling the kidney endothelium matrix during ischemic injury. In this study, we investigated the activity and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, in an isolated endothelial fraction following an acute in vivo reversible ischemia induced in rats by vascular clamping. Ischemia increased serum creatinine levels 1.4-fold, hallmark of acute renal failure. Isolation of the endothelial cell fraction was performed by affinity chromatography using an anti-PECAM-1 antibody. The isolated fraction was assessed by Western blotting analysis of endothelial cell markers. The positively selected fractions were enriched in the endothelial markers eNOS and PECAM-1 by 128-fold and 44-fold, respectively. Gelatin zymography showed that ischemia strongly stimulated proteolytic activity of proMMP-2 (1.8-fold), proMMP-9 (3-fold) and MMP-9 (4-fold) in the endothelial fractions. Western blot analysis indicated that TIMP-2 protein level increased by 3.2-fold in the endothelial fractions during ischemia. Surprisingly, TIMP-1 was absent from the endothelial preparations but was easily detected in the non-endothelial cells. Levels of the endocytic receptor LRP were increased by 2-fold during ischemia in the endothelial fractions. Occludin, a known in vivo MMP-9 substrate, was partly degraded in the endothelial fractions during ischemia, suggesting that the MMP-9 which was upregulated during ischemia was functional. These data suggest that ischemia in kidney could lead to the degradation of the vascular basement membrane and to increased permeability. This suggests new therapeutic approaches for ischemic pathologies by targeting MMP-9 and its regulators.     

Murine P-glycoprotein Deficiency Alters Intestinal Injury Repair and Blunts Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Radioprotection

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been reported to increase stem cell proliferation and regulate apoptosis. Absence of P-gp results in decreased repair of intestinal epithelial cells after chemical injury. To further explore the mechanisms involved in the effects of P-gp on intestinal injury and repair, we used the well-characterized radiation injury model. In this model, injury repair is mediated by production of prostaglandins (PGE(2)) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to confer radioprotection. B6.mdr1a(-/-) mice and wild-type controls were subjected to 12 Gy total body X-ray irradiation and surviving crypts in the proximal jejunum and distal colon were evaluated 3.5 days after irradiation. B6.mdr1a(-/-) mice exhibited normal baseline stem cell proliferation and COX dependent crypt regeneration after irradiation. However, radiation induced apoptosis was increased and LPS-induced radioprotection was blunted in the C57BL6.mdr1a(-/-) distal colon, compared to B6 wild-type controls. The LPS treatment induced gene expression of the radioprotective cytokine IL-1α, in B6 wild-type controls but not in B6.mdr1a(-/-) animals. Lipopolysaccharid-induced radioprotection was absent in IL-1R1(-/-) animals, indicating a role for IL-1α in radioprotection, and demonstrating that P-gp deficiency interferes with IL-1α gene expression in response to systemic exposure to LPS.     

HIV-Tat protein induces P-glycoprotein expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells

Among the different factors which can contribute to CNS alterations associated with HIV infection, Tat protein is considered to play a critical role. Evidence indicates that Tat can contribute to brain vascular pathology through induction of endothelial cell activation. In the present study, we hypothesized that Tat can affect expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC). P-gp is an ATP-dependent cellular efflux transporter which is involved in the removal of specific non-polar molecules, including drugs used for highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Treatment of BMEC with Tat(1-72) resulted in P-gp overexpression both at mRNA and protein levels. These alterations were confirmed in vivo in brain vessels of mice injected with Tat(1-72) into the hippocampus. Furthermore, pre-treatment of BMEC with SN50, a specific NF-kappaB inhibitor, protected against Tat(1-72)-stimulated expression of mdr1a gene, i.e. the gene which encodes for P-gp in rodents. Tat(1-72)-mediated changes in P-gp expression were correlated with increased rhodamine 123 efflux, indicating the up-regulation of transporter functions of P-gp. These results suggest that Tat-induced overexpression of P-gp in brain microvessels may have significant implications for the development of resistance to HAART and may be a contributing factor for low efficacy of HAART in the CNS.