Differential expression of multidrug resistance genes in naïve rat brain

Patrick Kwan, Graeme J. Sills, Elaine Butler, Timothy W. Gant, Martin J. Brodie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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 naïve 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)33-36
Number of pages4
JournalNeuroscience Letters
Volume339
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Mar 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brain
  • Multidrug resistance
  • P-glycoprotein
  • Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
  • Rat

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