Vectorial ligand transport through mammalian choroid plexus

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The choroid plexus (CP) acts as the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) interface.
• Substantial progress has been made in understanding ligand transport across the CP in the last decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review experimental data establishing vectorial transport through the CP.
• To describe transporters involved in CP vectorial transport and contrast them with blood-brain barrier transporters.
• To discuss the neurochemical and clinical implications of CP vectorial transport.

Main Methods:

• Enumeration of experimental data required to establish vectorial transport.
• Description of specific transporters and their functions.
• Focus on definitive experiments like animal and human transporter knock-outs.
• Analysis of ligand examples including methyltetrahydrofolate, methotrexate, and digoxin.

Main Results:

• Identification of key transporters mediating vectorial transport across the CP.
• Distinction between CP transporters and those at the blood-brain barrier.
• Demonstration of CP's role in nourishing the brain with micronutrients via vectorial transport.

Conclusions:

• Vectorial transport through the CP is critical for brain nourishment and function.
• Understanding CP transporters offers insights into neurochemical processes.
• Transporter polymorphisms and knockouts have significant clinical implications for neurological treatments.