Differential expression of P-glycoprotein in cord blood and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations

S Aggarwal1, A Gupta, T Tsuruo

  • 1UNIV CALIF IRVINE,DIV BASIC & CLIN IMMUNOL,C 240,IRVINE,CA 92717. WESTERN MED CTR,SANTA ANA,CA.

Insights

Cord blood T cells show lower P-glycoprotein (P-gP) expression and function compared to adult T cells, leading to increased sensitivity to cyclosporin A (CSA). Further research is needed to determine the physiological role of this difference.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • P-glycoprotein (P-gP), encoded by MDR1, is crucial for secreting various molecules like hormones and drugs.
  • Cord blood lymphocytes are functionally immature and exhibit heightened sensitivity to immunosuppressants such as cyclosporin A (CSA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the surface expression, function, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of P-gP in cord blood versus peripheral blood T cells.
  • To assess the functional consequences of P-gP differences on T cell sensitivity to CSA.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to quantify P-gP surface expression on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell subsets (naive and memory) from cord blood and peripheral blood.
  • MDR1 mRNA levels were analyzed in mononuclear cells.
  • Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) accumulation assay was performed to measure P-gP efflux function.
  • CSA sensitivity was determined by measuring T cell proliferation.

Main Results:

  • Significantly lower P-gP surface expression was observed on cord blood T cells (1-2%) compared to peripheral blood T cells (7-10%).
  • MDR1 mRNA levels were also reduced in cord blood mononuclear cells.
  • Cord blood T cells exhibited higher intracellular Rh123 accumulation, indicating reduced P-gP efflux function.
  • Cord blood T cell subsets showed markedly greater sensitivity to CSA than peripheral blood T cells.

Conclusions:

  • Cord blood T cells possess diminished P-gP expression and function compared to adult peripheral blood T cells.
  • This reduced P-gP activity contributes to the heightened sensitivity of cord blood T cells to CSA.
  • The physiological significance of decreased P-gP in cord blood warrants further investigation.