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Mrp2 is essential for estradiol-17beta(beta-D-glucuronide)-induced cholestasis in rats

L Huang1, J W Smit, D K Meijer

  • 1Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0305, USA.

Insights

Estradiol-17beta(beta-D-glucuronide) (E(2)17G) induces cholestasis through Mrp2-mediated transport, not Mdr1a/1b or Bsep inhibition. High E(2)17G bile concentrations alone do not cause cholestasis.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Drug Metabolism
  • Molecular Toxicology

Background:

  • Cholestasis is a liver condition characterized by impaired bile flow.
  • Estradiol-17beta(beta-D-glucuronide) (E(2)17G) is a known cholestatic agent.
  • The roles of specific transporters in E(2)17G-induced cholestasis require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the involvement of multidrug resistance-1 P-glycoprotein (Mdr1a/1b), bile salt export pump (Bsep), and multidrug resistance-associated protein-2 (Mrp2) in E(2)17G-induced cholestasis.
  • To determine the mechanism by which E(2)17G impairs bile flow.

Main Methods:

  • Studies in wild-type and Mdr1a/1b knockout mice to assess cholestasis and biliary excretion.
  • In vitro transport assays using Sf9 cells and rat canalicular membrane vesicles to evaluate Bsep and Mrp2 function.
  • Experiments in Mrp2-deficient TR(-) rats and control Wistar rats to assess bile flow and E(2)17G accumulation.

Main Results:

  • Mdr1a/1b were not essential for E(2)17G-mediated cholestasis.
  • E(2)17G did not directly inhibit Bsep-mediated bile acid transport.
  • Mrp2 deficiency prevented E(2)17G-induced cholestasis, while high E(2)17G bile concentrations alone did not cause cholestasis in control rats.

Conclusions:

  • E(2)17G-induced cholestasis is critically dependent on Mrp2-mediated transport.
  • Mdr1a/1b and direct Bsep inhibition are not the primary mechanisms.
  • Efficient Mrp2-mediated efflux of high E(2)17G concentrations is essential for its cholestatic effect.

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