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Enhancing paracellular permeability by modulating epithelial tight junctions.
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599, Chapel Hill NC, USA
Pharmaceutical Science & Technology Today
|October 26, 2000
Summary
The intestinal epithelium blocks hydrophilic drugs due to tight junctions. New research explores modulating these tight junctions to improve drug absorption across the intestinal barrier.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The intestinal epithelium forms a critical barrier limiting hydrophilic drug absorption.
- Intercellular tight junctions (zona occludens) prevent passive diffusion of hydrophilic drugs across the cell membranes.
- Recent advancements have improved our understanding of tight junction structure and regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological regulation of intestinal tight junctions and paracellular permeability.
- To discuss progress in designing agents that modulate tight junctions for enhanced drug absorption.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on tight junction regulation.
- Analysis of recent research on agents targeting paracellular permeability.
Main Results:
- Tight junctions are key regulators of intestinal barrier function.
- Understanding physiological regulation provides a basis for therapeutic strategies.
- Rational design of agents can modulate tight junctions to increase permeability.
Conclusions:
- Modulating tight junctions offers a promising strategy for improving hydrophilic drug delivery.
- Further research into tight junction modulation could overcome major drug absorption challenges.