Blood-to-Retina Transport of Imperatorin Involves the Carrier-Mediated Transporter System at the Inner Blood-Retinal Barrier

This study investigated the mechanism of transporting imperatorin across the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB). The carotid artery single injection method was used to calculate the retinal uptake index (RUI) of [³H]imperatorin in vivo, whereas the retinal capillary endothelial cell lines were used for the in vitro uptake and mRNA expression assays. RUI value of [³H]imperatorin was greater than that of the reference compound ([¹⁴C]n-butanol). [³H]Imperatorin significantly reduced the RUI in the presence of neuroprotective organic cationic drugs at 10 mM. However, tetraethylammonium and p-aminohippuric acid showed no significant effects. [³H]Imperatorin uptake by TR-iBRB2 cells was time-, pH-, energy-, and concentration-dependent with a K_m value of 679 ± 130 μM. In addition, the uptake study showed insensitivity to sodium and membrane potential. Various organic cations including pyrilamine, nicotine, and clonidine significantly reduced the uptake of [³H]imperatorin, whereas organic anions and monocarboxylic acids did not. Furthermore, the mRNA expression level dropped markedly with rOCTN1, rOCTN2, rPMAT, and rMATE1 small interfering RNAs in the transfection study. Moreover, [³H]imperatorin uptake remained neutral with small interfering RNA transfections. Our results indicate that imperatorin transport across the iBRB involves carrier-mediated transporter system.     

Inner Blood-Retinal Barrier Transporters: Role of Retinal Drug Delivery

The inner blood-retinal barrier (inner BRB) forms complex tight junctions of retinal capillary endothelial cells to prevent the free diffusion of substances between the circulating blood and the neural retina. Thus, understanding of the inner BRB transport mechanisms could provide a basis for the development of strategies for drug delivery to the retina. Recent progress in inner BRB research has revealed that retinal endothelial cells express a variety of unique transporters which play a role in the influx transport of essential molecules and the efflux transport of xenobiotics. In this review we focus on the transport mechanism at the inner BRB in relation to its importance in influencing the inner BRB permeability of drugs.     

Caco-2 Cell Monolayers as a Model for Drug Transport Across the Intestinal Mucosa

Human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells, when grown on semipermeable filters, spontaneously differentiate in culture to form confluent monolayers which both structurally and functionally resemble the small intestinal epithelium. Because of this property they show promise as a simple, in vitro model for the study of drug absorption and metabolism during absorption in the intestinal mucosa. In the present study, the transport of several model solutes across Caco-2 cell monolayers grown in the Transwell diffusion cell system was examined. Maximum transport rates were found for the actively transported substance glucose and the lipophilic solutes testosterone and salicylic acid. Slower rates were observed for urea, hippurate, and salicylate anions and were correlated with the apparent partition coefficient of the solute. These results are similar to what is found with the same compounds in other, in vivo absorption model systems. It is concluded that the Caco-2 cell system may give useful predictions concerning the oral absorption potential of new drug substances.     

Characterization of the Amino Acid Transport of New Immortalized Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cell Lines: A Novel In Vitro System for Investigating Transport Functions at the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier

Purpose. To establish and characterize a choroid plexus epithelial cell line (TR-CSFB) from a new type of transgenic rat harboring the temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (ts SV 40) large T-antigen gene (Tg rat).Methods. Choroid plexus epithelial cells were isolated from the Tg rat and cultured on a collagen-coated dish at 37°C during the first period of 3 days. Cells were subsequently cultured at 33°C to activate large T-antigen. At the third passage, cells were cloned by colony formation and isolated from other cells using a penicillin cup.Results. Five immortalized cell lines of choroid plexus epithelial cells (TR-CSFB 15) were obtained from two Tg rats. These cell lines had a polygonal cell morphology, expressed the typical choroid plexus epithelial cell marker, transthyretin, and possessed Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase on their apical side. TR-CSFBs cells expressed a large T-antigen and grew well at 33°C with a doubling-time of 3540 hr. [³H]-L-Proline uptake by TR-CSFB cells took place in an Na⁺-dependent, ouabain-sensitive, energy-dependent, and concentration-dependent manner. It was also inhibited by -methylaminoisobutylic acid, suggesting that system A for amino acids operates in TR-CSFB cells. When [³H]-L-proline uptake was measured using the Transwell device, the L-proline uptake rate following application to the apical side was fivefold greater than that following application to the basal side. In addition, both Na⁺-dependent and Na⁺-independent L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) uptake processes were present in TR-CSFB cells.Conclusions. Immortalized choroid plexus epithelial cell lines were successfully established from Tg rats and have the properties of choroid plexus epithelial cells, and amino acid transport activity was observed in vivo.     

Effects of Bisphosphonates on Glucose Transport in a Conditionally Immortalized Rat Retinal Capillary Endothelial Cell Line (TR-iBRB Cells)

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of bisphosphonates, anti-osteoporosis agents, on glucose uptake in retinal capillary endothelial cells under normal and high glucose conditions. The change of glucose uptake by pre-treatment of bisphosphonates at the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) was determined by measuring cellular uptake of [³H]3-O-methyl glucose (3-OMG) using a conditionally immortalized rat retinal capillary endothelial cell line (TR-iBRB cells) under normal and high glucose conditions. [³H]3-OMG uptake was inhibited by simultaneous treatment of unlabeled D-glucose and 3-OMG as well as glucose transport inhibitor, cytochalasin B. On the other hand, simultaneous treatment of alendronate or pamidronate had no significant inhibitory effect on [³H]3-OMG uptake by TR-iBRB cells. Under high glucose condition of TR-iBRB cells, [³H]3-OMG uptake was increased at 48 h. However, [³H]3-OMG uptake was decreased significantly by pre-treatment of alendronate or pamidronate compared with the values for normal and high glucose conditions. Moreover, geranylgeraniol (GGOH), a mevalonate pathway intermediate, increased the uptake of [³H]3-OMG reduced by bisphosphonates pre-treatment. But, pre-treatment of histamine did not show significant inhibition of [³H]3-OMG uptake. The glucose uptake may be down regulated by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway with pre-treatment of bisphosphonates in TR-iBRB cells at high glucose condition.     

Transport of Peptidomimetic Renin Inhibitors Across Monolayers of a Human Intestinal Cell Line (Caco-2): Evidence for Self-Enhancement of Paracellular Transport Route

Pharmaceutical Research -     

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Various Ophthalmic Drugs, Eye Drop Excipients and Cyclodextrins in an Immortalized Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Line

Purpose. An immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE) was tested as a screening tool for prediction of topical ocular irritation/ toxicity by pharmaceuticals. Methods. Effects of various drugs, excipients and cyclodextrins (CDs) on viability of HCE cells were evaluated using two in vitrocytotoxicity tests, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye reduction assay and propidium iodide assay. Results. Mitochondrion-based MTT test was a more sensitive indicator of cytotoxicity than the plasma membrane-based propidium iodide test. The tests revealed following cytotoxic rankings for ophthalmic drugs: dipivefrin > timolol > pilocarpine dexamethasone; for excipients: benzalkonium chloride (BAC) > sodium edetate (NA₂EDTA) > poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) > methylparaben; and for CDs: -CD > dimethyl--cyclodextrin (DM--CD) > sulfobutyl ether (-cyclodextrin ((SBE)_7m--CD) hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HP--CD) > -CD. In consideration of the in vivoclinical situation, the short exposure time (5 min) is more relevant even though toxic effects of some test substances were seen only after longer exposure times (30 and 60 min). Conclusions. Immortalized HCE cells are a promising tool for rapid cytotoxicity assays of ocular medications. The cell line is potentially useful in predicting the in vivocorneal toxicity of ocularly applied compounds.     

Development and Characterization of Rabbit Tracheal Epithelial Cell Monolayer Models for Drug Transport Studies

Purpose. The objective of this study was to investigate how culture conditions would affect the morphological, functional, and permeability characteristics of rabbit tracheal epithelial cell layers being considered for drug transport studies. Methods. Rabbit tracheocytes were isolated by protease treatment and plated onto collagen-treated permeable supports at 1.3 × 10⁶ cells/cm². After 24 hr, cell layers were cultured either air-interfaced (AIC) on their apical surface or under conventional liquid covered conditions (LCC). Results. Scanning electron microscopy revealed mature cilia in AIC cell layers and ciliated cells denuded of cilia in LCC cell layers. Compared with LCC, AIC cell layers (n = 20) achieved a significantly higher peak equivalent short-circuit current (74.1 ± 6.5 vs. 51.6 ± 3.4 µA/cm²), a higher potential difference (70.9 ± 2.8 vs. 60.5 ± 3.0 mV), and a lower peak transepithelial electrical resistance (1.1 ± 0.03 vs. 1.5 ± 0.02 kohms,cm²). About 70% of the short-circuit current in AIC was amiloride-sensitive whereas <10% was furosemide-sensitive, similar to that found in native tissue. The corresponding values in LCC were 50% and 46%. The permeability of both AIC and LCC to lipophilic solutes (dexamethasone and propranolol) was similar, whereas the permeability of hydrophilic solutes (mannitol, sucrose, and albuterol) in AIC was only half that in LCC. Conclusions. Given the striking similarity in morphological and functional characteristics of the AIC to those in the in vivo situation, the AIC is favored as an in vitro model for future drug transport studies.     

Serially Passaged Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Monolayer for in Vitro Drug Transport Studies

Purpose. To evaluate the feasibility of using a serially passaged culture of human nasal epithelial cell monolayers on a permeable support for in vitro drug transport studies. The optimum conditions for passaged culture as well as the correlation between the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value and drug permeability (P_app) were evaluated. Methods. Fresh human nasal epithelial cells were collected from normal inferior turbinates and were subcultured repeatedly in serum-free bronchial epithelial cell growth media (BEGM) in petri dishes. The subcultured cells of each passage were seeded onto permeable supports at 5 × 10⁵ cells/cm² and grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM). Morphologic characteristics were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To verify the formation of tight junctions, actin staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies were conducted. In the drug transport study, [¹⁴C]mannitol and budesonide were selected as the paracellular and the transcellular route markers, respectively. Results. Serially passaged cells were successfully cultured on a permeable support and showed significantly high TEER values up to passage 4. After 14 days of seeding, SEM showed microvilli, and protrusions of cilia and mucin granules were detected by TEM. The paracellular marker [¹⁴C]mannitol showed a nearly constant permeability coefficient (P_app) when the TEER value exceeded 500 ·cm² regardless of the passage number. However, as expected, budesonide showed a higher permeability coefficient compared to [¹⁴C]mannitol and was less affected by the TEER value. Conclusions. Human nasal epithelial cell monolayers were successfully subcultured on a permeable support up to passage 4. These cell culture methods may be useful in high-throughput screening of in vitro nasal transport studies of various drugs.     

The Use of Cultured Epithelial and Endothelial Cells for Drug Transport and Metabolism Studies

In an effort to develop novel strategies for delivery of drug candidates arising from rational drug design and recombinant DNA technology, pharmaceutical scientists have begun to employ the techniques of cell culture to study drug transport and metabolism at specific biological barriers. This review describes some of the general factors that should be considered in developing a cell culture model for transport studies and metabolism studies. In addition, we review in detail the recent progress that has been made in establishing, validating, and using cell cultures of epithelial barriers (e.g., cells that constitute the intestinal, rectal, buccal, sublingual, nasal, and ophthalmic mucosa as well as the epidermis of the skin) and the endothelial barriers (e.g., brain microvessel endothelial cells).     

The Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) Epithelial Cell Monolayer as a Model Cellular Transport Barrier

Two strains of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were grown on a polycarbonate membrane with 3-µm pores without any extracellular matrix treatment. The membrane, 2.45 cm in diameter, which is part of a commercially obtained presterilized culture insert, provides two chambers when placed in a regular six-well culture plate. This device was found to be convenient for investigating transport of a few selected fluid-phase markers across the MDCK cell monolayer. Both the strain from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and the so-called highly resistant strain I, at a serial passage between 65 and 70, showed a seeding concentration-dependent lag phase followed by a growth phase with a 21-hr doubling time. When seeded at 5 × 10⁴ cells/cm², cell confluence was achieved in 5 days in a modified Eagle's minimum essential medium (MEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum under a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. Similarly, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) also reached a plateau value in 5 days. Both light and electron microscopic examinations revealed well-defined junctional structures. Transport of the fluid-phase markers, sucrose, lucifer yellow CH (LY), inulin, and dextran across the MDCK cell monolayers was studied primarily at 37°C following the apical-to-basolateral as well as the basolateral-to-apical direction. Large variations in the steady-state transport rate were observed for a given marker between the cell layer preparations. Thus, the present study proposes an internal standard procedure for meaningful comparisons of the transport rate. When normalized to the rate of sucrose, the rate ratio was 1.00:0.80:0.67:0.15 for sucrose:LY:inulin:dextran. This ratio was virtually independent of temperature, cell strain, direction of the marker migration, and TEER value, suggesting a common transport mechanism. The observed rate ratio appears to reflect molecular size and charge. The transport observed in the present study would consist, in theory, of both paracellular shunt and transcellular vesicular transport. Quantitative assessment of each transport mechanism in the overall transport has been difficult. The initial uptake of [³H]dextran estimated for the slowest transport observed in the present study was still 300-fold faster than a literature value. This appears to indicate that the transport observed in the present study is largely through the paracellular shunt pathway.     

Transport of Desglycinamide-Arginine Vasopressin Across the Blood–Brain Barrier in Rats as Evaluated by the Unit Impulse Response Methodology

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of desglycinamide-arginine vasopressin (DGAVP) with respect to its transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) were studied with the use of serial CSF sampling in an individual animal and the unit impulse response methodology. Transport rate is determined as BBB clearance, the volume of plasma per unit time cleared of the peptide by BBB transport, and the extent of transport as the percentage of the administered dose transported into the central nervous system. Plasma kinetics of DGAVP were shown to be linear within the dose range studied (50–150 µg), plasma mean residence time (MRT) being 18 ± 4 min (mean ± SE; n = 9). Elimination of DGAVP from CSF after icv administration was linear, with an MRT of 10 ± 1 min (n = 9). After iv administration of 100 µg DGAVP, CSF concentrations were detectable for 90 min. Transport from plasma to the central nervous system was linear. The BBB transport clearance value was 1.0 ± 0.3 µl/min, and 0.026 ± 0.007% of the administered dose was transported into the central nervous system. Results demonstrate that, within the concentration range studied, DGAVP is transported across the BBB by passive diffusion, although to a very low extent.     

Development of a Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Culture Model and Its Suitability for Transport and Metabolism Studies Under in Vitro Conditions

A human nasal epithelial cell culture model has been adapted to observe transport and metabolism of drugs, e.g., peptides. Human nasal epithelial cells, isolated by protease treatment of human nasal conchae, grew to confluency after 6-8 days using DMEM supplemented with 1% nonessential amino acids, 1% glutamine, 10% FCS and 1% antibiotics. These cultures expressed microvilli and actively beating cilia as documented by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tight junctions were confirmed by dome formation and positive actin staining using FITC-labelled phalloidin. Preliminary transport studies, carried out with FITC-labelled Dex-tran (FD 4, MW 4400) and Sulforhodamine (SR 101, MW 607), demonstrated the intact barrier function of the cultured monolayer, grown on filter membranes. In addition, the cultured cells metabolized Leu-Enkephalin to Des-Tyr-Leu-Enkephalin demonstrating the presence of aminopeptidase, a naturally occurring enzyme in the human nasal mucosa.     

Prediction of Drug Transport Through the Blood-Brain Barrier in Vivo: A Comparison Between Two in Vitro Cell Models

Purpose. Studies were conducted to evaluate whether the use of an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) resulted in more accurate predictions of the in vivo transport of compounds compared to the use of a human intestinal cell line (Caco-2). Methods. The in vitro BBB model employs bovine brain capillary endothelial cells co-cultured with primary rat astrocytes. The Caco-2 cells originate from a human colorectal carcinoma. The rat was used as experimental animal for the in vivo studies. Results. Strong correlations (r = 0.93-0.95) were found between the results generated by the in vitro model of the BBB and two different methodologies to measure the permeability across the BBB in vivo. In contrast, a poor correlation (r = 0.68) was obtained between Caco-2 cell data and in vivo BBB transport. A relatively poor correlation (r = 0.74) was also found between the two in vitro models. Conclusion. The present study illustrates the limitations of the Caco-2 model to predict BBB permeability of compounds in vivo. The results emphasize the fact that the BBB and the intestinal mucosa are two fundamentally different biologic barriers, and to be able to make accurate predictions about the in vivo CNS penetration of potential drug candidates, it is important that the in vitro model possesses the main characteristics of the in vivo BBB.     

Stereoselective Transport of Baclofen Across the Blood–Brain Barrier in Rats as Determined by the Unit Impulse Response Methodology

The blood–brain barrier transport characteristics of racemic baclofen and the separate R- and S-enantiomers have been determined in vivo in rats by using the unit impulse response methodology. Transport rate was determined as blood–brain barrier clearance, the volume of plasma per unit time cleared of baclofen by transport across the blood–brain barrier. Plasma elimination kinetics and CSF elimination kinetics did not differ among racemic baclofen and the R-and S-enantiomers. Transport of each compound could be described by a linear V(t] curve, suggesting the absence of saturable transport processes in the concentration range studied. However, for R-baclofen the blood–brain barrier clearance (4.7 ± 1.0 µl/min, mean ± SE; n = 6) and cumulative transported amount (0.085 ± 0.007%; n = 6) were significantly higher than these values for the S-enantiomer (1.1 ± 0.3 µl/min, 0.031 ± 0.005%; n = 6) and racemic baclofen (1.0 ± 0.1 µl/min, 0.036 ± 0.003%; n = 6). These findings indicate that there is stereoselective transport of baclofen across the blood–brain barrier.     

矢车菊黄素在Caco-2细胞模型中的吸收机制研究

目的 研究矢车菊黄素（centaureidin）在Caco-2细胞单层模型中的吸收机制。方法 以HPLC分析矢车菊黄素浓度,用Caco-2 细胞单层模型评价吸收时间、药物浓度、介质pH值、抑制剂等对矢车菊黄素吸收的影响,研究矢车菊黄素的吸收机制,计算表观渗透系数（apparent permeability coefficient, Papp）。结果 药物的吸收与药物浓度和吸收时间正相关;弱酸性介质条件下有利于药物的吸收;2,4-二硝基酚（DNP）对药物吸收无影响,但异博定（verapamil）可增加药物的吸收;从肠腔侧到基底侧的转运小于基底侧到肠腔侧的转运。结论 矢车菊黄素在Caco-2细胞模型中的吸收主要是被动转运,受P-糖蛋白的外排作用。     

Characteristics of Choline Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier in Mice: Correlation with In Vitro Data

Purpose. We examined the functional properties of choline transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice. We compared the kinetic parameters and transport properties with those found in our in vitro uptake experiments using mouse brain capillary endothelial cells (MBEC4). Methods. The permeability coefficient-surface area product (PS) values of [³H]choline at the BBB were estimated by means of anin situ brain perfusion technique in mice.Results. [³H]Choline uptake was well described by a two-component model: a saturable component and a nonsaturable linear component. The [³H]choline uptake was independent of pH and Na⁺, but was significantly decreased by the replacement of Na⁺ with K⁺. Various basic drugs, including substrates and inhibitors of the organic cation transporter, significantly inhibited the [³H]choline uptake. These in situ (in vivo) results corresponded well to the in vitro results and suggest that the choline transporter at the BBB is a member of the organic cation transporter (OCT) family. Conclusion. The choline transport mechanism at the BBB is retained in MBEC4.     

Cultured Buccal Epithelium: An In Vitro Model Derived from the Hamster Pouch for Studying Drug Transport and Metabolism

Hamster pouch buccal epithelium (HPBE) was isolated and grown in primary cultures on rat-tail collagen-coated growth surfaces. The cultured pouch buccal epithelium (CPBE) was characterized morphologically with electron microscopy as stratified multilayers of epithelial cells with well-developed tonofibrillar–desmosomal complexes. Only the superficial layer of the cultured cells exhibited evidence of terminal differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and aminopeptidase activities in the primary cultured cells were determined by biochemical assays and found to be similar to those of homogenates of freshly excised hamster pouch epithelium. In addition, by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE), keratins and total proteins associated with the cultured cells were similar to those of freshly excised HPBE. The permeability characteristics of the cultured cells was determined by placing cultured cells grown on permeable polycarbonate disks in a Side-Bi-Side diffusion apparatus and quantitating the transcellular flux of tritium-labeled water, fluorescein, and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextrans (MW 3800 to 150,000). The cultured cells were least permeable on the third day of culture and were not permeable to substances with a MW greater than about 18,000. Our results indicate that primary cultures of hamster pouch epithelium exhibit biochemical properties similar to those of the excised hamster pouch epithelium from which they were derived. The morphological and permeability characteristics of cultured hamster epithelium were similar to those of nonkeratinized stratified oral epithelia typical of buccal mucosa in man, rabbit, and other species. CPBE, as described here, represents a potentially useful tool for in vitro drug transport, metabolism, pharmacology, and toxicology studies.