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Function of P-glycoprotein expressed in placenta and mole
Y Nakamura1, S Ikeda, T Furukawa
1The Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Sakuragaoka, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 27, 1997
Summary
P-glycoprotein is expressed in human placenta and moles, protecting the fetus from toxins. This protein transports vincristine, indicating its role in drug resistance for moles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- P-glycoprotein is a key efflux transporter involved in multidrug resistance.
- Its role in placental function and protection of the fetus is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of P-glycoprotein in human placentas and hydatidiform moles.
- To determine if placental P-glycoprotein can bind drugs and transport substrates.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical examination of P-glycoprotein expression in placental and mole tissues.
- Photolabeling of P-glycoprotein with [3H]azidopine.
- ATP-dependent transport assays using [3H]vincristine in membrane vesicles from trophoblasts.
Main Results:
- P-glycoprotein was expressed in trophoblasts of both placentas and moles.
- Placental P-glycoprotein exhibited a smaller molecular size compared to multidrug-resistant cell lines.
- Evidence of drug binding and ATP-dependent vincristine transport by placental P-glycoprotein was observed.
Conclusions:
- Trophoblast P-glycoprotein possesses drug-binding capabilities and can transport vincristine.
- Placental P-glycoprotein likely protects the fetus from xenobiotics.
- P-glycoprotein may confer drug resistance to hydatidiform moles.