PMID: 20656985Jul 27, 2010Paper

Inhibition of P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier by phytochemicals derived from traditional Chinese medicine

Cancer Genomics & Proteomics
Anne MahringerT Efferth

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a key determinant for drug transport through brain vessels. It restricts the pharmacological efficacy in numerous neurological diseases, including brain tumors. A major functional constituent of BBB is P-glycoprotein, which is also a major obstacle for effective chemotherapy of brain tumors. An appealing strategy is to selectively modulate BBB function using P-glycoprotein inhibitors. We assessed 57 chemically defined compounds derived from medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine for their potential to inhibit P-glycoprotein. Nine phytochemicals inhibited P-glycoprotein in porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (PBCECs) and multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells as shown by a calcein fluorescence assay. The cytotoxicity of the 57 phytochemicals was measured by a growth inhibition assay. Seven compounds inhibiting P-glycoprotein at lower doses were cytotoxic to drug-sensitive parental CCRF-CEM cells at higher doses. Of them, five were not cross-resistant to CEM/ADR5000 cells (baicalein, bufalin, glybomine B, deoxyserofendic acid, and shogaol). Bufalin was chosen as a lead compound. Of a further six bufalin-related compounds, scillarenin showed improved features in comparison to bu...Continue Reading

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