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P-glycoprotein is expressed in the mineralizing regions of the skeleton

D C Mangham1, A Cannon, S Komiya

  • 1Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.

Insights

Multidrug resistance (MDR) P-glycoprotein is present in bovine growth plate chondrocytes, suggesting a role in chondrocyte hypertrophy and bone development.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Skeletal Biology

Background:

  • The multidrug resistance (MDR) gene 1 (MDR1) encodes P-glycoprotein, a transmembrane efflux pump.
  • P-glycoprotein's role in skeletal development, particularly in growth plate chondrocytes, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and distribution of MDR P-glycoprotein in bovine growth plate chondrocytes.
  • To examine the precise localization of P-glycoprotein within human fetal, neonatal, and childhood growth plates and bone.

Main Methods:

  • Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect MDR1 mRNA in bovine chondrocytes.
  • Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies (C219 and C494) was applied to human growth plate and bone tissues.

Main Results:

  • MDR1 mRNA was identified in bovine growth plate chondrocytes.
  • P-glycoprotein was detected in human growth plates, primarily in the calcifying and hypertrophic zones of chondrocytes.
  • P-glycoprotein was also found in perichondrial and perivascular chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoid matrix.

Conclusions:

  • MDR P-glycoprotein is expressed in growth plate chondrocytes and associated bone tissues.
  • The distribution suggests a potential role for P-glycoprotein in chondrocyte hypertrophy and bone formation.

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