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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 33-36 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Neuroscience Letters |
Volume | 339 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13 Mar 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Brain
- Multidrug resistance
- P-glycoprotein
- Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- Rat