Differential expression of multidrug resistance genes in naïve rat brain.
The multidrug resistance (mdr1) gene family encodes the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which contributes to the functionality of the blood-brain barrier. We have characterised the regional expression of mdr1 genes in nai;ve rat brain. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6) were sacrificed and their brains rapidly removed. Seven distinct anatomical regions were isolated by microdissection and the expression of mdr1a and mdr1b determined by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The mdr1a isoform was expressed in all brain regions investigated, while mdr1b was expressed to a quantifiable degree in hippocampus alone. These findings reveal a differential expression of mdr1 genes in normal rodent brain tissue and suggest that P-gp may afford a broader protection of the hippocampus than other brain structures.
Kwan
Patrick
P
Epilepsy Unit, University Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Western Infirmary, G11 6NT, Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Sills
Graeme J
GJ
Butler
Elaine
E
Gant
Timothy W
TW
Brodie
Martin J
MJ
D020168:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*; D019450:Genes, MDR; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D020168:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1